[1st Peter 2:13-17]

INTRODUCTION

A. As we conclude this series of lessons, let us remember that we have been looking at the need to be Practicing Our Faith, as a contrast to being people whose faith is in word only. In these lessons, we have been concentrating on the actions that define and demonstrate our faith so we may honestly examine ourselves and see whether or not we are… Continue reading

Some people go to the doctor once a year for what is often called an ‘annual checkup’ to see how they are faring, healthwise. [I know I should be one of those 'some people' but I am not. Yet.] During this annual physical exam, you get prodded and poked and tested and looked at in just about every way possible to ensure you are healthy, that nothing has negatively… Continue reading

[1st Corinthians 9:1-23]

INTRODUCTION

A. In this portion of his letter to the Corinthian brethren, Paul continues to make an argument for the necessity of Sacrificing For Others. As we saw in the last study, Paul had taught that even matters such as eating certain meats should be considered as to whether or not a brother would be offended and, if necessary, cease the practice if it causes him… Continue reading

INTRODUCTION

A. As we come to the end of another calendar year, it would be beneficial for us to take a look back at what we have accomplished - as a church and as individuals members - in the past year, but it would also be beneficial for us to look forward to what we are going to do and become. There are certainly lessons to… Continue reading

Recent polls in the United States show that anywhere from 80-90% of respondents believe in God. That hasn’t changed much in my lifetime, but what has changed is the increasing change in attitude towards the Bible. The most recent Pew Forum Survey on Religion in America [June 23, 2008] showed that about 70% also believe that other religions may provide a way to eternal salvation. A Harris Poll [2003]… Continue reading

INTRODUCTION

A. In the New Testament, Jesus is sometimes identified as “our Lord and Savior” (2nd Pet. 1:11; 3:18), or, “the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). Even at His birth, Jesus was announced to the shepherds as “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). To God’s people today, Jesus is Lord because He has been made the head over all things and… Continue reading

Introduction
e.g. Quotations
This morning, we continue our series on ‘Practicing Our Faith’ in which we have been talking about the need for Christians to LIVE the Word and to put it to practice in our lives.
Many Americans have been conditioned to believe that they have the ‘Freedom of Speech’.   This has led to a light regard for the words that we say and how we say them.
This morning… Continue reading

The wise writer tells us, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Prov. 22:1). After a lifetime of seeking in vain for earthly happiness, he also concluded, “A good name is better than precious ointment” (Eccl. 7:1). He was not talking about having a name like John versus Judas, or Elizabeth over Jezebel [though you might want to think about those before you name your… Continue reading

[Job 37:11-13]

INTRODUCTION

A. Here in Arizona, we appreciate a good rain when we get one. The average annual rainfall is only about 7½ inches, so rain is scarce and precious. When It Rains, the kids want to run outside and play in it, drivers are forced to slow down and traffic backs up, and the ground soaks it up like a sponge. A few years… Continue reading

[Psalm 19:10; 119:72, 127]

INTRODUCTION

A. There has not been a time in recorded history when gold was not valued by man. Even early in the Bible record, we read of a place called the “land of Havilah, where there is gold” (Gen. 2:11). We read that Abraham was rich in gold (13:2); we recall the time of the Israelite departure from Egyptian captivity when they… Continue reading

Don’t you just hate it when you have an important task to do and you get so wrapped up in other things that you forget about the one thing you really needed to do? I have had more than my share of forgetful moments and I am sure that many more are to come, but I must surely recognize that there are some things that I, as a disciple… Continue reading