After discussing the topic of suffering for doing what is good, Peter gives an exhortation to elders. They are to be leading the flock in such circumstances of adversity. Peter can relate to their position for he is also an elder and has suffered for doing what is good. His future holds the glory promised …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4Subject Index
The apostle Paul played an important role in the work of the church in the first century. Chosen by the Lord to serve in this capacity, the apostle serves as a monument to several truths. Ppt: Paul’s Monuments Outline: Paul’s Monuments Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Paul’s MonumentsAfter feeding the five-thousand in John 6, Jesus used the situation to teach those who were following Him. They were laboring for food which perishes instead of that which endured to eternal life. After further explaining they reacted by saying, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” (John 6:60). The sermon discusses the …
Continue reading Sermon: “This is a hard saying”Paul aptly and concisely summarizes the mystery of godliness in his first letter to Timothy. He describes the mystery as great, as it is that which reveals the way to fellowship with God. “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, …
Continue reading Sermon: Great is the Mystery of GodlinessRepentance is required by our God to receive remission of sins (cf. Acts 2:38). When a Christians sins he must repent in order to be forgiven (cf. Acts 8:22). We must understand what repentance is, and how it acts. The apostle Paul reveals repentance in his reaction to the Corinthians’ repentance in 2 Corinthians 7. …
Continue reading Sermon: The Heart and Action of RepentanceChristians are those who have been set apart. However, they still have relationships and responsibilities to the world. A few are discussed in light of the apostle Peter’s exhortation in 1 Peter 2:11-12. Ppt: Christians and the World Outline: Christians and the World Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Christians and the WorldUnity is part of God’s design for the church. He commands the church to “[endeavor] to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). In second verse of Ephesians 4 are a few keys to keeping that unity. Ppt: Keys to Unity Outline: Keys To Unity Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Keys to UnityThe consumption of alcohol is common place throughout the world, and especially in this country. At one point in time the dangers alcohol consumption posed led to its prohibition. Yet the desires of the flesh overwhelmed the moral compass of the masses and the sale and consumption of alcohol were re-implemented and continue to this …
Continue reading Article: Social Drinking, Drunkenness, and the ChristianBy inspiration, James calls the sinner to draw near to God. Those who have transgressed God’s law have become His enemy, yet He is the only One Who can repair their brokenness. The way to receive favor from God is to follow the formula given by the Holy Spirit: “Cleanse your hands, you sinners” (James …
Continue reading Article: Cleanse, Purify, and HumbleEvidently, among the brethren James addressed were ungodly wealthy people (cf. 1:9-11; 2:6; 4:13-17; 5:1-6). Some of the wealthy were oppressing the poor, and brethren were being tested by such wrong-doing. James explains the proper response to oppression and suffering which agrees with his previous exhortation of acceptable behavior while undergoing trials (cf. 1:2-7, 12). …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: James 5:7-11