International Gospel Hour

Jeff Archey: For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Ezra 7:10 That's an awesome text that is commendable and virtuous. So let's study it today from the International Gospel Hour.

J. Webb: It's time for our broadcast from the International Gospel Hour. I'm J. Webb, and welcome to our study today as we embrace God's word to help us meet the challenges of today. Let's open our Bibles and open our heart for this time of Bible study with our speaker Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour, a broadcast of the Churches of Christ. Here's Jeff.

Jeff Archey: Well, thank you to our J. Webb and greetings to all of you. We are honored you've joined us for our study of the word of God today. The scripture that is inspired of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3 and verse 16. Within that scripture, we learn from Romans 15 and verse 4 how Paul acknowledged the things that were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and comfort of the scriptures we might have hope. We were able to go to the things before time that he mentions that were written, the Old Testament if you will, and to look at those examples and to learn thereof.

What about Ezra? You know, there's a book that bears his name as one of the prophets of God. Not only that, but friends, let's consider his lineage. We find Aaron, who was the spokesman of God for Moses in Exodus 4 verses 14 through 16, and the grandson of Hilkiah, a priest who served under the reign of Josiah, 2 Kings 22 and verse 8. This same Hilkiah who found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. So when we look at Ezra's background, it was pretty good. And not only that, but he has such an excellent example that stands forth, especially from our lesson text today.

Once again, as we began with Ezra 7 and verse 10 one more time. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. We're going to break down that verse today in our studies, but first a few quick words about our work on social media.

J. Webb: Hey Facebook friends, please follow us at our page International Gospel Hour. Keep up to date with our daily broadcasts and special announcements along the way. That's International Gospel Hour on Facebook, and feel free to share our material on your Facebook page.

Jeff Archey: Let's see Ezra's example of a prepared heart. You know, I was reading some research conducted by LinkedIn that showed 70% of business to business buyers think sales reps are not adequately prepared. They lack the pre-call planning and research. Well, you know, in order to sell, one must know the subject or what he is selling, but he's got to know the prospect's needs and how to properly address those needs with the product that he represents. But you know, the heart of man must be prepared before anything else goes further. In preparing one's heart, one needs to make certain that the heart has some attributes about it.

When a person believes in God, belief only is not enough. I mean, in James 2:19, the devils believe, yet they tremble. So we know the devils are not going to be saved, but yes, they do believe. But folks, we understand that true biblical faith moves us on that faith. In John 12:42 and 43, there were those who believed on Christ but did not confess him lest they be cast out of the synagogue. You see friends, the heart has to be prepared. The heart must make a change. We need to make certain according to Hebrews 10:22 that our hearts are true.

We want to make sure in Matthew 5 and verse 8 that our hearts are pure. We want to make sure in Matthew 13 and verse 5 we have an understanding heart because that heart must be obedient unto God. Romans 6 and verse 17, but God be thanked that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart the doctrine which was delivered you. So Ezra had to prepare his heart to accept and apply what was ahead. Let's notice another example of Ezra, his example of seeking God word or the law. The word of God that is a light unto our feet uh a light unto our feet.

Psalm 119 verse 105 a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The more I kept saying that, I knew that wasn't right. There it is. The word of God helps one to grow. We know that from 2 Peter 3:18 and as we mentioned moments ago as we began our broadcast of 2 Timothy 3 verses 16 and 17, all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete or thoroughly furnished unto all good works. So Ezra's example of seeking God's word, the heart is ready.

And when you take God's word within that heart, my, what a great change. Let's go third from our text of Ezra 7 and verse 10. Let's see Ezra's example of doing what he sought. Not only did Ezra seek it, he obeyed it. You see, he sought the law of the Lord and to do it. You see, one must obey the gospel of Christ. That's the power of God unto salvation, and within it the righteousness of God is revealed. Romans 1 16 and 17. We're reminded of those that do not obey the gospel. The warnings of flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel from 2 Thessalonians 1 and verse 8 and how judgment begins at the house of God.

1 Peter 4 and verse 17. We understand the warnings if we do not accept and obey the gospel of Christ. One must does, one will do as God says like those on Pentecost. When they were pricked in their heart, the first thing they were told to do was change their hearts or repent, Acts 2:38, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And later in verse 41, they that gladly received his word were baptized. In the same day, there were added unto them about 3,000 souls.

And one is likened to the wise man who did what he was supposed to do. Remember in Matthew 7 24 through 27, Jesus said those that would hear his word and do it, he would liken him unto a wise man who built his house upon the rock. When the rains came, the floods grew and all and they beat upon that house, it stood firm. But he that hears the sayings of God and does them not, he likens them unto a foolish man who built his house upon the sand. Same rain, same storm, same floods, but the house failed and great was its fall.

And so we need to make certain that we do what God commands us to do, friends. And that is to obey the gospel of Christ through simple faith in him, a repentant heart, a mouth confessing faith unto salvation, and then baptism unto Christ for the remission of sins. That's all that's asked. Let's notice finally Ezra's example in teaching the law. You see, not only did he prepare his heart to seek it and to do it, but he also wanted to teach that gospel or teach that law of the Lord rather. You know, it's amazing to me how so many times people want to teach or want to get involved and quite honestly friends, they're not ready yet.

We need to make certain that when we seek the law of the Lord, we need to do it and grow in our knowledge and then one day we will be able to teach. We must seek that opportunity to give an answer. 1 Peter 3 and verse 15. But sanctify the Lord God in your heart and be ready always to give an answer to every man that will ask you of the reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear to be ready to give that answer. And one must carry forth the command of Christ to teach as Jesus may stated that in Matthew 28 and verse 19 and Mark 16 and verse 15 and Luke 24 44 and following and John 20 21 and following that we need to instruct to others.

You know, this is the purpose of the International Gospel Hour has been since 1934 to preach the gospel of Christ over the radio and in this day and age through every means necessary that we may teach the scripture and encourage everyone to always return to the Bible, to examine one's thinking, to make certain we are following Christ, not to step in line with a denominational doctrine, but to seek the word as those in Berea who were more noble and fair-minded than those in Thessalonica and that they received the word with readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so.

Acts 17 10 and 11. When we follow that example of Ezra to prepare our heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it, then we will be ready to teach it. Friends, we want to help you in your seeking of the word of God. We do so by number of tools that we offer absolutely free, and here is our J. Webb with a great Bible study by mail we'll send you absolutely free.

J. Webb: An additional Bible study by mail is now available from International Gospel Hour. It's titled God and Man, How to be Saved from Sin. This study booklet addresses a number of questions about the salvation from God to man. And friends, like all materials, it's free. Call us toll free at 855 444 6988 and leave your name, address, and just say God and Man. Or you can go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com, click on the contact tab and leave us the same information, name, address, and type God and Man in the message box. Another Bible study that is free from IGH and our friends at God and man .com.

That's God - and - man .com. And you know, since you can't see it, let me just spell that out for you. G O D - A N D - M A N .com. We'd love to hear from you.

Jeff Archey: Is Ezra not an excellent example, dear friends? And would we not do well in following his life by preparing, seeking, doing, and teaching? Yes indeed, absolutely a most excellent plan. And we get ourselves ready first by preparing ourselves to be obedient. We make that decision. We then obey, continue to obey and teach others to obey. And all of this can be done with God's word, the law of the Lord, the scriptures therein. Let's study them, let's search them, and let's continue our studies together at another time. Thank you for joining me today on the International Gospel Hour.

I'm Jeff Archie, and friends, keep listening.

J. Webb: Thank you for listening today. To God be the glory, and we hope that our study today will draw you closer to his word to walk in his way. Feel free to listen to our other programs at our website at internationalgospelhour.com and join us next time.