Although Paul planned to come to Timothy shortly he wrote him a letter in case of a delay. He did not think it appropriate to risk putting off his instruction for Timothy as a young preacher, and the people he would be teaching. Paul’s instruction concerned conduct in the house of God/church of the living …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16Obedience
Acts 3 records the healing of the lame man who “laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful” (v. 2). Those who witnessed the lame man walking at the side of Peter and John were “greatly amazed” (v. 11). This opened a door of opportunity for Peter to speak about the …
Continue reading Article: Times of RefreshingDespite all the troubles and sorrows in the world Christians can always be “rejoicing in hope” (Romans 12:12). This hope allows rejoicing because of its nature. It is not up to speculation, or chance. A Christian’s hope is different than any hope the world might have. Ppt: A Christian’s Hope Outline: A Christian’s Hope Audio: …
Continue reading Sermon: A Christian’s HopeGod never promised an easy life for Christians. The path toward which God directs Christians is narrow and difficult (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). He has not been silent, nor unclear about the subject of hardships in the life of a disciple. Following Christ demands self-denial, and sacrifice (cf. Matthew 16:24-27; Romans 12:1). Along the way there …
Continue reading Article: James’ Plan for Undergoing TrialsAs of late, areas – in which drought and burn bans are the norm – have received a precipitous amount of rain. Lakes are at their highest, rivers are breaching their levees, flooding has destroyed land, homes, and lives. Social media has been laced with jokes about river-rafting down streets, and carrying about daily activities …
Continue reading Notable News: Rain, Rain, Go Away!After he described his conduct while ministering to the Thessalonians (cf. 2:1-12), Paul thanked God for the Thessalonians’ reaction to the gospel message. The apostles often had to stress the origin of their message due to their audience’s admiration for men-pleasers using “flattering words” (2:5). The Thessalonians did not receive the apostle’s message “as the …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20Upon his description of the Colossians’ state in Christ, the apostle Paul gives practical application. The Christian is to repent from his past sinful actions, or “put to death” and “put off” such actions. The apostle gives two reasons for eradicating these sins in their lives. 1) “The wrath of God is coming upon the …
Continue reading Pondering Scripture: Colossians 3:5-11God has given to us “exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). However, these promises are conditional. How do we secure our inheritance? Outline: Inheriting God’s Promises Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: Inheriting God’s PromisesThe concept and importance of zeal is discussed. In addition, absent, misdirected, and properly directed zeal are compared. We must be the “special people [of God], zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). Ppt: Zeal Outline: Zeal Audio: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: ZealTemporary – Our time on earth is not meant to be permanent. James wrote, “for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). All of our time is running out (cf. 2 Peter 3). Important – Time is given to us by …
Continue reading Article: Time