After he told the brethren to “stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” the apostle Paul offered a prayer on their behalf. The prayer was for “our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father” to comfort the Thessalonians and establish them in their good …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17Love
The life of a Christian is described as a walk. “Walk” is a verb. The Christian life is not supposed to be sedentary, but active. Paul said, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1). This walk we were called to …
Continue reading Article: WalkThis sermon examines the epistle of Jude. The epistle notes an important responsibility Christians have. They are to keep themselves in the love of God. There is a need to “contend for the faith” by standing opposed to ungodliness and all false doctrine. If we fail, there is punishment awaiting. Outline: “Keep yourselves in the …
Continue reading Sermon: “Keep yourselves in the love of God”The Bible is filled with examples. Many we are to follow, but there are some we are to avoid. Examples are powerful for that very reason – they can lead people down the correct path, or do the opposite. Paul told Timothy to set an example (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12-16). We should be doing the …
Continue reading Sermon: The Power of an ExampleFollowing Paul’s explanation of the proper attitude toward each other regardless of the type of spiritual gift one attained (cf. 12:12-31), he begins his explanation of the purpose of said gifts (this explanation continues into chapter 14). Love takes precedence over all spiritual gifts, for without love the gifts bring no profit to the one …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13Maintaining unity within a local congregation is imperative. In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul mentions some characteristics that are necessary for each individual to posses in order to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Ppt: Keys To Unity Outline: Keys To Unity Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Keys To UnityRecently, while waiting in line to buy a drink at a gas station, I noticed a tattoo on the back of a girl’s neck. The tattoo read, “Love is a gamble.” Sadly, this sentiment is expressed by many. Fortunately, the love to which this tattoo refers is not the same with which our Creator loves …
Continue reading Article: Love Never FailsAnyone would think it absurd to turn away from a sincere, loving, and caring individual to a self-serving, manipulative, and hateful one. However, ironically Paul found the Corinthians acting thusly. Their actions were instigated by certain false teachers who claimed to be apostles themselves. The Corinthians were greatly influenced by their deception to the degree …
Continue reading Article: Paul’s Concern For All The ChurchesLove is the crux of scripture. It is the cornerstone of our faith. It is paramount in our salvation. Love can be both positive, and negative. The ultimate condition is placed upon the object of our love. The Bible describes various things we are encouraged, and expected to love. However, it also reveals certain objects, …
Continue reading Article: Rightly Directed and Misdirected LoveThis sermon discusses things accomplished by Christ’s crucifixion. Ppt: The Significance of Christ’s Crucifixion Outline: The Significance of Christ’s Crucifixion Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: The Significance of Christ’s Crucifixion