Gospel Dynamite with J. Allen Mashburn

Five Biblical Principles for Christian Voters | I Timothy 2:1-4 | J. Allen Mashburn

Under inspiration, Paul wrote, “I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). The passage takes on a special significance as one remembers that Paul was Nero’s prisoner in Rome.
The Scripture explicitly states God desires “all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Thus, the prayer “for all men” and “all that are in authority” implies praying for the salvation and spiritual growth of everyone, including civic leaders. As the focus turns to political leaders, the Scripture exhorts believers to pray specifically: “for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” When Paul wrote these inspired words, the rulers were not godly people. Still, this is how Paul exhorted God’s people to pray. Pray for national leaders so that their leadership and public policy allow God’s people to love and serve God unhindered. This directive is explicit. 
Yes, pray for the salvation of political leaders, but if the leaders themselves are not godly, pray that the leaders allow for Christians to live godly.
Implicitly, this admonition informs us how to vote in an election. We should vote for those whose leading and decision-making would afford quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness for Bible-believing Christians. History tells us of many ungodly leaders who led in a way that allowed Christians to live godly. The issue here is public policy, exalting decent public policy, and not the godliness or ungodliness of particular leaders. While it would be dishonorable to exalt vileness, it is another matter entirely to vote for good public policy—even when those who promote it lack personal godliness.
Sometimes we understandably struggle with voting for a less-than-ideal candidate, but at least we have the privilege of voting. First-century Christians did not. We must vote realizing we are responsible for the privilege God has given us. A few considerations may help us come to grips with what we have to work with and vote according to the principle implied in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

How Paradise Was Regained | Romans 5:15-20 | J. Allen Mashburn

In our last study from Romans, we talked about how paradise was lost. We learned that Adam, the father of all humanity, sinned against God. As a result of his sin, the whole world was plunged into darkness. Adam's sin had dire consequences for the whole of humanity. As we move on in this chapter, we will see here how paradise is regained. What Adam gave away, Jesus bought back!
This passage can be very difficult to understand. When it is read, it can seem very confusing. However, it may help to look at this passage as a series of contrasts. Paul is trying to show his readers the difference between what they received from Adam and what they have received from Jesus Christ.
There are three great contrasts that are mentioned here. For me, they untangle these verses and make their teaching clear. I would like to share them with you this evening. I do want to say that these verse comprise the central theme of the book of Romans. Everything to this point has been working towards this, and everything after this point works away from this. The whole point is that where Adam failed, Christ prevailed!
What we lost in Adam, we get back, and much more, in Jesus!

How Paradise Was Lost | Romans 5:12-14 | J. Allen Mashburn

Paul has spent considerable amounts of time in the book of Romans proving that man is a sinner. He has shown us that every class of human in the world is guilty in the eyes of God. Folks, there is no denying that truth! If you doubt that man is guilty, then travel to any spot on the globe, pick up any newspaper or listen to any news broadcast anywhere and the truth will be made plain to you once and for all. Man is a sinner!
In these verses, Paul tells us how man came to be the way he is. Just for a moment, let's be honest with one another. For every person under the sound of my voice, there are times when you have desires and impulses in your mind that, if followed, would ruin your marriages, your careers, your finances, your name and your fellowship with the Lord. We all have those thoughts from time to time, and sadly, many act upon them! Even when we know the consequences of our actions, we still want and do things that are wicked.
Join Pastor Mashburn as we examine how paradise was lost in the Fall.

Christ Died for the Ungodly | Romans 5:6-11 | J. Allen Mashburn

In this passage, we find the Apostle Paul still rehearsing the benefits that are ours as children of God. These verses makes plain the great provisions that have come our way through the death of the Lord Jesus and by virtue of our placing our faith in Him for salvation. These verses tell us of the wonderful things we have in Christ. I want to draw your attention to verse 8, and the last phrase of that verse, then look at the last 2 words: "for us". Those two words sum up the content of this message.
So let’s look at this thought, “Christ Died for the Ungodly.

How I Know I'm Going to Heaven | Hebrews 6:16-20 | J. Allen Mashburn

We believe that we are eternally secure in our salvation. It has been said that we "as sure for heaven as if we had already been there for 10,000 years." This is a true statement, because the Bible clearly tells us that we were "chosen in him before the foundation of the world.", Eph. 1:4. Therefore, we have been in Heaven for quite some time now! In fact, the Bible teaches us that He, "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus", Eph. 2:6. 
Join us as we consider these precious truths from the Word of God.

Abraham's Love Produced Faith | Romans 4:18-25 | J. Allen Mashburn

We have watched the progression of Abraham's faith, I have been amazed at this man's love for God and of his faith in the Lord. It is no wonder that Paul uses Abraham as the supreme example to prove that salvation comes about simply because of faith.
These last few verses of chapter four teach us the truth that we cannot depend on keeping the Law to save us. We cannot depend on our good works to save us. We cannot depend on anything external to save our souls. Paul's point here, as it has been throughout this chapter is that salvation is produced purely by faith!
Join us in this episode, Abraham's Love Produced Faith!

Knocking On Heaven's Door | John 10:9-10 | J. Allen Mashburn

Imagine yourself following a long never-ending wall. You are on the outside of that wall and you can here what is going on inside. You can hear happy people. Some are laughing, some are shouting for joy, but all of them are very happy. More than anything, you want to get in there where they are and see what it is they are so happy about. As you continue to follow this wall, eventually, you find yourself at a door. This door is unlocked. All you have to do is go through it and you will be admitted to the place where all those happy people are. What would you do when you reached that door?
You may say, "Preacher, that’s a foolish way to start a message!" Maybe so, but have you noticed that millions of people all around us seem to be searching for something? I remember the days before I got saved. I was around Christians who were excited and happy. All I knew was that I was miserable and that I wanted just a little of what those people had in their lives. So, I spent a lot of time following this imaginary wall, hearing their happiness and wanting to get in there where they were. Then one day, I came face to face with the Door. When I did, I had a decision to make. I could either go in and be with the others, or I could go on searching and remain outside. I’ll tell you, that when I came to that Door, I wanted in so bad that I wasn’t about to walk away. When I entered the Door, I was forever saved and I knew what all the excitement was about.
Now, it may be that some here today are still wandering around outside that wall looking for the Door. Well, I have come this way today to tell you where to find Him. Before you leave here this morning, you will have the opportunity to come through that Door and enter into that place of happiness that every child of God enjoys.
In these 2 verses, Jesus reveals plainly who, what and where the Door is and He tells us who can come in. Let’s look at these verses today and think together on the thought, "Knocking On Heaven’s Door."

Where the Law Fails, Faith Prevails | Romans 4:13-17 | J. Allen Mashburn

As we continue to move through this fourth chapter of Romans, we have been challenged by the life of Abraham. He was a man who was highly revered by the Jews of Paul's day, and Paul appealed to Abraham's life to teach his readers that salvation was purely the work of God. He has already taught us that works cannot save, v. 1-8; then he showed us that circumcision could not save the soul, v. 9-12. In these verses, Paul is going to reveal to us the truth that keeping the Law cannot save the soul either.
Sadly, many in our day seem to think that salvation works according to that principle. Many believe that if they do all the good things and avoid the bad things, then God is obligated to let them into Heaven when they die. My friends, if you believe that, you are guilty of believing false doctrine! The truth of the matter is this: nothing you do can save your soul! It is not, nor has it ever been, about what you do. Salvation has always rested on Who you know!