“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). By examining the text of Romans 8:1-17, the concept of spiritual mindedness is considered. Our spirit should always be our top priority. In order to have spiritual life, we must be pleasing to God. Then, we will …
Continue reading Sermon: Spiritually Minded
In conclusion to Paul’s first letter addressed to his “true son in the faith” (1:1), he echoed once again his instruction for Timothy to safeguard the gospel message. This is perhaps the most important responsibility an evangelist has, as Paul so consistently noted (cf. 1:3, 18-20; 4:1-6, 16; 6:3-5, 12-14, 20, 21). Outer threats must …
Continue reading 1 Timothy 6:20-21
“The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both” (Proverbs 20:12). This proverb seems to simply state a fact. Yet, the fact is quite astounding. God’s wisdom is unmatched, and His creative power, unfathomable. In his obduracy, man refuses to accept the existence of a Creator. He cries, “Where is the …
Continue reading Facebook: Eyes and Ears
The claim that sin is hereditary, and as such all are born in sin because of Adam’s sin, is taught in part by using the text of Romans 5:12-21. Necessarily springing from such logic used in that interpretation is the concept of universalism – all men are saved through Christ just as all men were …
Continue reading One man’s disobedience and one Man’s obedience
There are some who refuse to subscribe to the concept of the plenary verbal inspiration of scripture – every word is inspired of God. This concept is seen in scripture itself, and is the pillar that supports the Bible as a source of authority. If plenary verbal inspiration is denied, scripture cannot be used as …
Continue reading The Patternists: All from God, or none from God Prior to a final exhortation in verses 6-15, Paul set a foundation for a proper response from the Thessalonians. The exhortation would include a reminder about that which he already wrote (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 5:14). In order to elicit the most appropriate response, Paul first gave attention to their past and present obedience. As …
Continue reading 2 Thessalonians 3:1-51 Samuel 8 records God’s people requesting a king. The request came from a desire to be like the surrounding nations. Israel had no physical king, but were given judges. Although God served as their king, and was continually faithful to them given their own faithfulness, they were not content. The attitude they expressed is …
Continue reading Sermon: That We May Be Like All the NationsThe “day of the Lord” was used in the Old Testament in reference to days of destruction, revenge, punishment, and also deliverance. It is used in the New Testament to refer to the second coming of Christ when He will judge the world – sentencing everlasting punishment to evil doers, and everlasting salvation to the …
Continue reading Sermon: The Day of the Lord
“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren” (1 Thessalonians 5:27). Paul did not simply request that the brethren read the epistle, but commanded them to do so. Some view the reading of scripture as optional. Some who read do so casually, as if it does them …
Continue reading Facebook: A Charge to Read The previous verses contained Paul’s explanation concerning that of which the Thessalonians were ignorant (cf. 4:13-18). The current text serves as a reminder of things of which the brethren were already informed – the coming of the Day of the Lord, and the conduct to be assumed by those who look forward to that day. …
Continue reading 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11