CHECKING OUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Raymond Elliott

I.                    INTRODUCTION:

a.      In 2001 I had a renewed interest in my blood pressure readings.  This was due largely to the problem I had with a blockage in an artery leading from my heart.  I had a stent placed in the artery and I had to begin using blood pressure medicine.

b.      There were times when I would seek the professional help of our local nurse and Christian friend, Marinda Trull.  I have observed that she also is to be found checking on other members and family.

c.      I read in a church bulletin some time ago where some of the members would be stationed at the various exits of the church building following the assembly and would be available to check people’s blood pressure.  Not a bad idea.  You know, extreme blood pressure can be considered a ‘silent killer’.

d.      Figuratively, we might need to check our blood pressure in a spiritual sense.

II.                  SOME BRETHREN MIGHT HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE.

a.      I Corinthians 11:30 – “For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”

b.      Ephesians 5:14 – “Therefore He says:  “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

c.      Revelation 3:1 – “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”

d.      Revelations 3:14, 15 – “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I could wish you were cold or hot.”

e.      Matthew 22:14 – “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

III.                  ANOTHER BROTHER’S PRESSURE IS TOO HIGH BECAUSE OF ANXIETY, PRESSURE, STRESS, ETC.

a.      Psalms 37

b.      Psalms 121

c.      Matthew 6: 25 – 34

d.      Philippians 4:4-7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentleness be known to all men.  The Lord is at hand.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

e.      I Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

IV.                ONE BROTHER’S PRESSURE IS TOO HIGH BECAUSE THE PREACHER/TEACHER SPOKE OUT AGAINST SIN.

a.      Preached against drunkenness, profanity, sensual dancing, immodest apparel, gambling, gossip, unscriptural divorce and remarriage, racial prejudice, hatred, etc.

b.      Galatians 4:16 – “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”

c.      We do not blame the doctor because he diagnoses a disease/problem in our body.

d.      Some brethren do not want any preaching about the ‘oneness of the way’

V.                  ONE BROTHER’S PRESSURE IS UP BECAUSE OF BEING MOTIVED TO DO MORE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

a.      Romans 12:11 – “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

b.      I Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

c.      Titus 2:14 – “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

VI.                CONCLUSION:

a.      Life is in the blood.

                                                               i.      Deuteronomy 12:32 – “Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life; you may not eat the life with the meat.”

b.      And, the life is in the blood of the Lamb.

c.      Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”