Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Lexington, KY. Pastor JOE H. HEAD
Pleasant Ridge Baptist ChurchLexington, KY. Pastor JOE H. HEAD 

THINGS WE NEED TO KNOW
Text: Jesus said, Joh 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Paul testified, 2Ti 1:12..... for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
Intro: in our formative years we are forced to fill our minds with a multitude of things that we really do not need to know, but it is all in the name of a well rounded education. Some of the most important knowledge in life that will move us in the right direction as adults is left off the table in all levels of public education of things one needs to know. People are graduating from our colleges with skills in every field of income production, but are deprived of the one thing which will make such pursuits meaningful.
The educational info which is left out has to do with answers to this word: WHY? Why am I here? Why was I born? Why not born rich? Not born beautiful? Not born with high IQ? Why born in the USA? Why do I have struggles? Why born male or female? Why fat? Why thin? Why ugly? Why do I sin? Why do I fear death? Why am I depressed? Why do I not have lots of friends?
I think that the answer to all of these why questions is found in the realm of religion. Not all religions, but in one which has the inspiration of God to man written in a holy book. But, our schools and colleges are not allowed to address these topics.
Why? Because of the false notion of constitutional separation of church and state, because so many unbelievers keep reinforcing this mistaken notion of separation of religious belief from formal education and from politics and national life, most people have been brain washed into accepting it as a fact. It is true that if a false statement is told repeatedly by enough people, often enough, that it will be accepted by many others, without their own independent investigation, without question as indisputable fact. It becomes a “given” to their intellectual psyche.
Our nation was founded upon principles of religion based upon the Christian faith. Our forefathers came to this nation for the chance to live in an area of religion freedom. They escaped from their homelands which had practiced their persecution for their different beliefs which were contrary to the established churches. They came here to get away from that and to worship according to the dictates of their own hearts based upon the word of God as they understood it, and not the traditions of men. Soon the establishment follow them to these shores and tried to establish the same kind of “state” church settlements in which all others were refused the right to practice their different Christian beliefs or to establish a different denomination of church in the area where there was a tax supported state church already in power there.
The battle for religious freedom was fought for long and hard but finally became a reality largely to the efforts of Christian leaders of Baptist belief. Baptists were the only ones that I know of who fought for religious freedom for themselves as well as for their persecutors whether they were churches, or religious zealots of other faiths.
The Christian faith during the early years of this nation was an integral part of every city, town, state and society. Wherever people spread, so did the practice of the Christian faith. Our people were not Muslims, nor were they predominately irreligious. We were a religious people of the Christian doctrines.
Our nations capitol buildings and government documents where infused with the inscriptions that honored God in the forming of this “one nation under God.”
In the succeeding centuries, the gap between faith and practice has widened. And while the majority of our people still claim to believe in God, He has been ruled out of any part in the practice of the daily routine in our society. Except in a national emergency.... Like, 911 !!
When I came to Kentucky in 1953, public schools began the day with a prayer, flag salute, and perhaps scripture readings. It was the same where I came from. The ball games were preceded by a prayer. I was asked once to lead the prayer at Athens H.S.
What has happened? The small minority of narrow minded irreligious bigots squawked often enough and loudly enough, that in order to shut them up, government squelched our freedom of religion. We have learned for the first time that the majority DOES NOT ALWAYS RULE in this nation! We have also learned that politicians will not be controlled by the will of the people. They have their own agenda which gives NO deference (respect) to ours.
This leads me to my point. In the world that now is, There are SOME THINGS WE NEED TO KNOW IF OUR LIVES ARE TO HAVE A MEANING which counts for something of concrete and positive good.

I. WE NEED TO KNOW THERE IS STILL ONLY ONE SOURCE OF INFALLIBLE INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT OF LIFE, LIBERTY AND PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. THE BIBLE.
Fact is, there is no other book on our nations library shelves which claims to be of divine origin besides the Bible. The national archives contain books of historical information on every subject known to our existence and fight for freedom.
None of which claim the authority of divine inspiration. They are the words of men who are at best still fallible.
Here’s what we NEED TO KNOW. 1Th 2:13 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
No other document in our county carries the same weight of authority as this Bible which is so widely owned, but UNread by the masses! Many people get a bible when they are born, when they graduate, when they get married, when they go off to war, when they go to prison, when they get sworn into public office and when they die, etc. No other book has such prominence and presence among people as the Bible, but is so much denied any real influence over their lives.
We need to know what this Bible teaches as the foundation for a respectable life in this society and what it teaches about life after death and how to prepare for it.
Beloved, this bible of 66 books, tells us of things about which there is no other way for us to know. It holds the answers to the mysteries of life and death. The bible is a transparent book with no hidden agenda. It sets forth the truth as clearly as any book can. It can straighten every crooked way, and make known to us what are the issues in life that need addressed. The bible must be true because when I read it, I see myself in the truest light. It must be true because in its defense many have died to preserve it to future generations. That BIBLE in your hand is the most valuable book you own and what did it cost you? Perhaps nothing, if it was a gift! It holds the answer to man’s greatest need. The NEED TO KNOW GOD and HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.

II. WE NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS ABOUT LIFE.
1. God created life in the beginning.
Evolution is wrong in supposing that such a complicated thing as a single cell of life could come spontaneously from any non life form given enough time. The laws of probability denies this could happen. It is only the haters of God who have come up with such a preposterous theory. Being realistic, there is nothing else to which they may turn except the “intelligent design” belief for the origin of life and that is outside of their darkened hearts willingness to accept. If they accept it, they must admit accountability to God, which is something their stubborn hearts will NOT DO.
Jesus said of the unbelieving Jews: Joh 5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.”

2. God created us for His glory from which the first couple, Adam and Eve fell by disobedience to Him.
We need to know that as a result of original sin, all of us have been born with a sinful nature and the penalty for being a sinner is physical death. 1 Co 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Ro 5:19 “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Rom 3:23 “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” 6:23 “the wages of sin is death....”
What we need to know is we are ALL SINNERS IN GOD’S EYES. The Psalmist says, Ps 39:4 “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am].”
Long are the arguments by some people who try to prove that they are not enough of a sinner that God should punish them for their sins in hell after their death. Yes, we are enough of a sinner for that to happen if all we have ever done that was wrong was to tell a lie. Re 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
WE NEED TO KNOW THAT God is just in how he has chosen deal with our sins. Ps 119:75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments [are] right, and [that] thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Ps 119:75 “I know, O LORD, that thy judgments [are] right...”
WE NEED TO KNOW ALSO that Jehovah God is the only God that there is according to the inspired scriptures. Ps 135:5 “For I know that the LORD [is] great, and [that] our Lord [is] above all gods. Isa 43:10 Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. Isa 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any]. Isa 45:6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else.”
OUR GOD is not the SAME GOD AS ALLAH! According to the religion of Islam, there is NO COMPARISON. Their Allah has a whole different way of salvation for sinners than does the God of our bible. Their sinners must do good works to enter heaven. Our bible teaches there is no good work we can do which will get us in, but it is through God’s mercy and grace. Tit 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
1Pe 1:3 “Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” Eph 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

III. WE NEED TO KNOW THAT OUR GOD IS A FORGIVING SAVIOR TO THOSE WHO SEEK HIM.
1. The bible describes us as being lost in sin but there is an offer of forgiveness. The people of our world have too high of an opinion of themselves. They do not view themselves as God sees them. Why are people reluctant to accept that they are “sinners”? As said the psalmist: Ps 73:16 “When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;”
People recoil from any notion that they are “sinners.” The bad things they do are mistakes or errors in judgment, not sins. No folks, they are sins that insult God!! And he is furious because of it, Ps 7:11 “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry(enraged) [with the wicked] every day.”
2. The bible tells us of a seeking savior. Lu 5:24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.”
3. The bible warns us of the consequences of the rejection of Him who is our only hope. Joh 12:48 “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Man has determined that he doesn’t need a savior. If he just follows the way which he thinks is right, he will escape hell and if God is fair, he’ll let him into heaven upon his death. Folks, it is not in us to know these things apart from the divine revelation in the Bible. Jer 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man [is] not in himself: [it is] not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Wrong steps NEVER lead in the right direction. Pr 14:12 “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.”
It has to be GOD’S WAY or it’s the highway that leads to destruction and death. That’s just how it is, and man must deal with it if he can’t change it. People cannot decide for themselves how it is that they might choose get saved. It isn’t up to them. We NEED TO KNOW THIS.
4. The bible gives us promise of everlasting life to all who believe THE GOSPEL. And Jesus is the way, the only way. People NEED TO KNOW THIS.
Mohammed never offered himself to be the savior of anyone.
Confucius didn’t either. There is in fact, no other religion which has offered a Savior from the consequences of our sins, or who has the power to grant forgiveness and everlasting life to all who believe. NONE! NADA!
Christ said of himself, Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
In boldness, the Apostle Peter referring to Jesus Christ, told a bunch of lost religious Jews who trusted in their religion of good works to save them, Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
In all the religions in this world there is NOT a single one which offers a redeemer of sinners, a savior of sinners, one who died for their sins and freely forgives those who trust in him.
The apostle Paul reasons along this line to convince the people at Rome, Italy of the gracious offer of salvation by Jesus Christ who did die for unworthy sinners. Ro 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”
Here’s what people NEED TO KNOW. 1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,(1) how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 (2) And that he was buried, and (3) that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
People NEED TO KNOW THAT THEY CAN BE SAVED THE MOMENT THEY TRUST JESUS TO SAVE THEM. Salvation is not a lengthy process for sinners at the end of which they can only hope it saved them. That is what some church teach! They offer a lost person a long list of things they must do if they desire to be saved and at the end it might work, or might not depending on how sincere they are.
The BIBLE THAT WE NEED TO KNOW IS MUCH PLAINER THAN THAT. Eph 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”
Here’s the list people need to know:
1. Ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.
2. In whom you then trusted and believed. And
3. Upon trusting and believing you were sealed.
The sealing was the promise or guarantee that you were in fact born of God and then and there have the assurance of God’s Holy Spirit that you are now his child forever.
When faith comes to a sinners heart, all else is settled.

Conc.: if you question whether or not people need to know these things, just ask someone what they can tell you about the way of salvation and eternal life. You are in for a shock.

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Revelation 11:17 "Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." 

 

SERVICES:

SUNDAY MORNING:

Bible Study 9:30
Worship 10:30

 

SUNDAY EVENING:



Choir Practice 5:00



Men’s Prayer 5:15



Evening Worship 6:00

 

WEDNESDAY EVENING:

Men’s Prayer 5:15

Sermon 6:00

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