I Pledge Allegiance

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE Deuteronomy 23:21-23

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge was first written for school children in 1892 for Columbus Day.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge was first written for school children in 1892 for Columbus Day.  It first appeared in print on September 8, 1892.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge was first written for school children in 1892 for Columbus Day.  It first appeared in print on September 8, 1892.  It read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands—one nation indivisible—with liberty and justice of for all.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge was first written for school children in 1892 for Columbus Day.  It first appeared in print on September 8, 1892.  It read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands—one nation indivisible—with liberty and justice of for all.”  The author of the pledge was Francis Bellamy.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge was first written for school children in 1892 for Columbus Day.  It first appeared in print on September 8, 1892.  It read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands—one nation indivisible—with liberty and justice of for all.”  The author of the pledge was Francis Bellamy.  She wrote it for a one-time recitation on Columbus Day 1892.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge was first written for school children in 1892 for Columbus Day.  It first appeared in print on September 8, 1892.  It read: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands—one nation indivisible—with liberty and justice of for all.”  The author of the pledge was Francis Bellamy.  She wrote it for a one-time recitation on Columbus Day 1892.  But, it became quite popular, became a Columbus Day tradition, & then began to be used in classrooms throughout the country.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major revisions.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major revisions.  In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion changed “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States of America.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major revisions.  In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion changed “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States of America.”  In 1954, amid fears of Communism, Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major revisions.  In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion changed “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States of America.”  In 1954, amid fears of Communism, Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God.”  We have each repeated that pledge countless times.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major revisions.  In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion changed “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States of America.”  In 1954, amid fears of Communism, Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God.”  We have each repeated that pledge countless times.  We likely don‟t even pause to contemplate the words‟ meaning.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major revisions.  In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion changed “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States of America.”  In 1954, amid fears of Communism, Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God.”  We have each repeated that pledge countless times.  We likely don‟t even pause to contemplate the words‟ meaning.  But, there are some pledges we dare not take lightly.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone two major revisions.  In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion changed “my Flag” to “the Flag of the United States of America.”  In 1954, amid fears of Communism, Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill to add the words “under God.”  We have each repeated that pledge countless times.  We likely don‟t even pause to contemplate the words‟ meaning.  But, there are some pledges we dare not take lightly.  This morning, we want to explore what Moses taught about pledges & apply that teaching to today.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE OLD TESTAMENT PLEDGES Deuteronomy 23:21-23

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE THE PURPOSE OF THIS LAW IS TWO-FOLD.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  One: This commandment points to the speed with which these vows were to be fulfilled.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  One: This commandment points to the speed with which these vows were to be fulfilled.  It does little good to pledge but never get around to fulfilling it.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  One: This commandment points to the speed with which these vows were to be fulfilled.  It does little good to pledge but never get around to fulfilling it.  God has no interest in delay.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  One: This commandment points to the speed with which these vows were to be fulfilled.  It does little good to pledge but never get around to fulfilling it.  God has no interest in delay.  We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  One: This commandment points to the speed with which these vows were to be fulfilled.  It does little good to pledge but never get around to fulfilling it.  God has no interest in delay.  We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard: “Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called „today,‟ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  One: This commandment points to the speed with which these vows were to be fulfilled.  It does little good to pledge but never get around to fulfilling it.  God has no interest in delay.  We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard: (Heb 3:13).  We cannot delay, for each day may be our last.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  One: This commandment points to the speed with which these vows were to be fulfilled.  It does little good to pledge but never get around to fulfilling it.  God has no interest in delay.  We cannot delay in exhorting one another, lest our hearts become hard: (Heb 3:13).  We cannot delay, for each day may be our last: “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (Js 4:14, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Second: This commandment points out that these pledges are absolutely voluntary.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Second: This commandment points out that these pledges are absolutely voluntary.  The one who does not vow is not guilty of sin, and any pledge that is made has been “voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Second: This commandment points out that these pledges are absolutely voluntary.  The one who does not vow is not guilty of sin, and any pledge that is made has been “voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God.”  KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Second: This commandment points out that these pledges are absolutely voluntary.  The one who does not vow is not guilty of sin, and any pledge that is made has been “voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God.”  KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23).  The Hebrew term “a freewill offering” is often used in the Old Testament for a freewill offering.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Second: This commandment points out that these pledges are absolutely voluntary.  The one who does not vow is not guilty of sin, and any pledge that is made has been “voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God.”  KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23).  The Hebrew term “a freewill offering” is often used in the Old Testament for a freewill offering.  However, the term is also used for any act of service to God that is completely voluntary.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Second: This commandment points out that these pledges are absolutely voluntary.  The one who does not vow is not guilty of sin, and any pledge that is made has been “voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God.”  KJV: “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God” (v 23).  Regardless of the precise translation, the meaning is abundantly clear: This is a vow you have voluntarily made to God.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  God continues to deal with us on a voluntary basis.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  God continues to deal with us on a voluntary basis.  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  God continues to deal with us on a voluntary basis.  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20, ESV).  Jesus isn‟t going to force us to open the door, but he stands there & knocks.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  God continues to deal with us on a voluntary basis.  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20, ESV).  Jesus isn‟t going to force us to open the door, but he stands there & knocks.  Granted, there are blessings for opening the door & dire consequences for refusing to do so.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  God continues to deal with us on a voluntary basis.  “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Rev 3:20, ESV).  Jesus isn‟t going to force us to open the door, but he stands there & knocks.  Granted, there are blessings for opening the door & dire consequences for refusing to do so. But, the decision is fully ours.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE EACH OF US HAS A VOLUNTARY DECISION TO MAKE.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE EACH OF US HAS A VOLUNTARY DECISION TO MAKE. Shall we serve God?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE OUR PLEDGE Baptism

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  When we are baptized into Christ, we make a solemn vow to follow Jesus.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  When we are baptized into Christ, we make a solemn vow to follow Jesus.  “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 3:21, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  When we are baptized into Christ, we make a solemn vow to follow Jesus.  “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 3:21, ESV).  The phrase “an appeal to God for a good conscience” is difficult to translate.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  When we are baptized into Christ, we make a solemn vow to follow Jesus.  “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 3:21, ESV).  The phrase “an appeal to God for a good conscience” is difficult to translate.  KJV: “the answer of a good conscience toward God.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  When we are baptized into Christ, we make a solemn vow to follow Jesus.  “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 3:21, ESV).  The phrase “an appeal to God for a good conscience” is difficult to translate.  KJV: “the answer of a good conscience toward God.”  NIV: “the pledge of a good conscience toward God.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Which translation is correct?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Which translation is correct?  Does Peter envisions converts asking for a good conscience, answering from a good conscience, or pledging to serve God from a good conscience?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Which translation is correct?  Does Peter envisions converts asking for a good conscience, answering from a good conscience, or pledging to serve God from a good conscience?  The KJV translates the term most literally.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Which translation is correct?  Does Peter envisions converts asking for a good conscience, answering from a good conscience, or pledging to serve God from a good conscience?  The KJV translates the term most literally.  The term Peter uses here does mean “answer.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Which translation is correct?  Does Peter envisions converts asking for a good conscience, answering from a good conscience, or pledging to serve God from a good conscience?  The KJV translates the term most literally.  The term Peter uses here does mean “answer.”  But, it really seems that both the KJV & NIV get it correct.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In Peter‟s day, the word he uses meant far more than simply answering a question.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In Peter‟s day, the word he uses meant far more than simply answering a question.  This is the only occurrence of the term in the New Testament.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In Peter‟s day, the word he uses meant far more than simply answering a question.  This is the only occurrence of the term in the New Testament. When Jesus is on trial & answers questions, a different term is used.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In Peter‟s day, the word he uses meant far more than simply answering a question.  This is the only occurrence of the term in the New Testament. When Jesus is on trial & answers questions, a different term is used.  In this era, contracts were often entered into verbally.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In Peter‟s day, the word he uses meant far more than simply answering a question.  This is the only occurrence of the term in the New Testament. When Jesus is on trial & answers questions, a different term is used.  In this era, contracts were often entered into verbally.  There was a back-and-forth exchange about the terms of the contract.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In Peter‟s day, the word he uses meant far more than simply answering a question.  This is the only occurrence of the term in the New Testament. When Jesus is on trial & answers questions, a different term is used.  In this era, contracts were often entered into verbally.  There was a back-and-forth exchange about the terms of the contract.  When individuals answered questions & thus entered into the contract, this was the term that was used.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In Peter‟s day, the word he uses meant far more than simply answering a question.  This is the only occurrence of the term in the New Testament. When Jesus is on trial & answers questions, a different term is used.  In this era, contracts were often entered into verbally.  There was a back-and-forth exchange about the terms of the contract.  When individuals answered questions & thus entered into the contract, this was the term that was used.  The term implies an agreement to carry out the terms of a contract.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The imagery of 1 Peter 3:21, then, is where a convert formally pledges to follow God.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  The imagery of 1 Peter 3:21, then, is where a convert formally pledges to follow God.  He makes such a pledge from a “good conscience.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE A NEGATIVE PLEDGE To put away sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death” (Rom 6:3, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death” (Rom 6:3, ESV).  “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead” (Col 2:11-12, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Shortly after the days of the apostles, converts made a verbal pledge at baptism to put away sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Shortly after the days of the apostles, converts made a verbal pledge at baptism to put away sin.  Hippolytus (writing about AD 215): Converts would declare, “I renounce you Satan, all your service, and all your works.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Shortly after the days of the apostles, converts made a verbal pledge at baptism to put away sin.  Hippolytus (writing about AD 215): Converts would declare, “I renounce you Satan, all your service, and all your works.”  Tertullian (AD 160-220): “When we are going to enter the water, but a little before, in the presence of the congregation and under the hand of the president, we solemnly profess that we disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Shortly after the days of the apostles, converts made a verbal pledge at baptism to put away sin.  Hippolytus (writing about AD 215): Converts would declare, “I renounce you Satan, all your service, and all your works.”  Tertullian (AD 160-220): “When we are going to enter the water, but a little before, in the presence of the congregation and under the hand of the president, we solemnly profess that we disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels.”  Whether or not we verbalize it, we make a vow at baptism to “disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  We must make such a pledge, for we come to Christ so full of sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  We must make such a pledge, for we come to Christ so full of sin.  “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Eph 2:1-3, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  We must make such a pledge, for we come to Christ so full of sin.  Eph 2:1-3.  Jesus “freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev 1:5, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  We must make such a pledge, for we come to Christ so full of sin.  Eph 2:1-3.  Jesus “freed us from our sins by his blood” (Rev 1:5, ESV).  Therefore, we dare not live in sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Of course, we cannot live above sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Of course, we cannot live above sin.  If we claim to be without sin, “we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn 1:8, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Of course, we cannot live above sin.  If we claim to be without sin, “we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 Jn 1:8, ESV).  God‟s grace is just as great toward a Christian who sins as it is toward a non-Christian (Acts 8:18-24).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  But, we dare not use our human frailties as an excuse for sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  But, we dare not use our human frailties as an excuse for sin.  “Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Rom 6:15, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  But, we dare not use our human frailties as an excuse for sin.  “Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Rom 6:15, ESV).  If we persist in sin after baptism, there only remains an expectation of judgment.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  But, we dare not use our human frailties as an excuse for sin.  “Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” (Rom 6:15, ESV).  If we persist in sin after baptism, there only remains an expectation of judgment: “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Heb 10:26-27, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “We have recently been converted and because of our conversion we want to try to help. We won‟t ever need these again. Can you use them for something?”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE HAVE YOU MADE THAT PLEDGE?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE HAVE YOU MADE THAT PLEDGE? Are you living up to your pledge?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE A POSITIVE PLEDGE We pledge to follow Jesus.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19, ESV).  The idea of a “disciple” is one who learns from someone whom he is following.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19, ESV).  The idea of a “disciple” is one who learns from someone whom he is following.  Jesus saw Simon & Andrew casting nets into the sea “and he said to them, „Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.‟ Immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mt 4:19-20, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19, ESV).  The idea of a “disciple” is one who learns from someone whom he is following.  Jesus saw Simon & Andrew casting nets into the sea “and he said to them, „Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.‟ Immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mt 4:19-20, ESV).  The Greek term doesn‟t mean that Simon & Andrew followed Jesus on the seashore.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19, ESV).  The idea of a “disciple” is one who learns from someone whom he is following.  Jesus saw Simon & Andrew casting nets into the sea “and he said to them, „Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.‟ Immediately they left their nets and followed him” (Mt 4:19-20, ESV).  The Greek term doesn‟t mean that Simon & Andrew followed Jesus on the seashore.  The term means “be a disciple.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Jesus often encouraged his hearers to learn from him.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Jesus often encouraged his hearers to learn from him.  “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Jesus often encouraged his hearers to learn from him.  “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29, ESV).  After washing the disciples feet, Jesus says, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (Jn 13:15, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Jesus often encouraged his hearers to learn from him.  “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29, ESV).  After washing the disciples feet, Jesus says, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (Jn 13:15, ESV).  As Jesus‟ baptized disciples, therefore, we must go to his teachings & example to know how to live.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In being baptized, we are raised to live like Jesus.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In being baptized, we are raised to live like Jesus.  “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  In being baptized, we are raised to live like Jesus.  “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:4, ESV).  “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE DO WE CONTINUE TO WEAR THAT GARMENT?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Our pledge to the Lord in baptism is a solemn & serious pledge.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Our pledge to the Lord in baptism is a solemn & serious pledge.  The Lord has no desire that we turn back to sin.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Our pledge to the Lord in baptism is a solemn & serious pledge.  The Lord has no desire that we turn back to sin.  “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Our pledge to the Lord in baptism is a solemn & serious pledge.  The Lord has no desire that we turn back to sin.  “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62, ESV).  “My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Pledging to follow Jesus & then turning back to sin is serious, serious business.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Pledging to follow Jesus & then turning back to sin is serious, serious business.  Heb 10:26-31.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Pledging to follow Jesus & then turning back to sin is serious, serious business.  Heb 10:26-31.  “If, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Pt 2:20-21, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Pledging to follow Jesus & then turning back to sin is serious, serious business.  Heb 10:26-31.  2 Pt 2:20-21.  It‟s better, says Peter, never to become a Christians than to turn back from it.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Pledging to follow Jesus & then turning back to sin is serious, serious business.  Heb 10:26-31.  2 Pt 2:20-21.  It‟s better, says Peter, never to become a Christians than to turn back from it.  I‟m convinced that‟s because a more fearful judgment awaits the fallen Christian.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Pledging to follow Jesus & then turning back to sin is serious, serious business.  Heb 10:26-31.  2 Pt 2:20-21.  It‟s better, says Peter, never to become a Christians than to turn back from it.  I‟m convinced that‟s because a more fearful judgment awaits the fallen Christian: “That servant who knew his master‟s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating” (Lk 12:47-48, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  While that pledge is serious, the God in heaven stands ready to help us with our lives.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  While that pledge is serious, the God in heaven stands ready to help us with our lives.  “Because [Jesus] himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb 2:18, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  While that pledge is serious, the God in heaven stands ready to help us with our lives.  “Because [Jesus] himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Heb 2:18, ESV).  “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:15-16, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE WE DO NOT WALK THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ALONE!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE WE DO NOT WALK THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ALONE! Jesus stands ready to help us—if we’ll let him!

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Maybe you have turned “back from the holy commandment.”

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Maybe you have turned “back from the holy commandment.”  Granted, that is a serious predicament.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Maybe you have turned “back from the holy commandment.”  Granted, that is a serious predicament. But, God, full of grace, stands ready to forgive.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE  Maybe you have turned “back from the holy commandment.”  Granted, that is a serious predicament. But, God, full of grace, stands ready to forgive.  Peter says to Simon the sorcerer, “Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22, ESV).

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE DO YOU NEED TO REPENT & PRAY TO THE LORD THIS MORNING?

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THE PLEDGE OF BAPTISM THIS MORNING?

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I Pledge Allegiance

by JJustim on Jul 04, 2009

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I Pledge Allegiance — Presentation Transcript