[Hebrews 11:7]

INTRODUCTION

A. We all most likely know the story of Noah and the ark. At a time God describes the world one in which “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen. 6:5), we read that Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen. 6:8)… Continue reading

I am one of those odd people who often sees things in black-and-white and have difficulties understanding why others don’t see things as plainly. For example, I read the words of Jesus to the apostles in Mark 16:16 when He said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned,” and I wonder why some people try to so hard… Continue reading

[1st Corinthians 16:1-24]

INTRODUCTION

A. As Paul closes out the first letter to the Corinthians, he does so with some closing instructions regarding their service to God, charges to keep that they might be counted among the faithful, and some spiritual exhortations. After much of the letter being written to correct serious errors, it is almost anticlimactic to end with the instructions he does, but… Continue reading

ISSUES FACING THE CHURCH TODAY

[Eph. 5:19, 20]

INTRODUCTION

A. As we saw in the initial lesson on Issues Facing the Church Today, we can never assume that many [or any] of the things that we are going to talk about in this series of lessons will never “happen here” or affect us as members of this church. As has been said already, some of… Continue reading

Most of the time, when someone is contemplating a pending marriage and thinking about the qualifications of the parties involved, it is usually one party thinking about the other’s “qualifications” and not one’s own. I believe that to be the case in most situations, including my own, but I believe we are missing out on half the equation if we do not think about our own qualifications!… Continue reading

INTRODUCTION

In an age where it is normal to hear impolite conversations, it is increasingly important that we make sure we don’t fall victim to the trend.
[example of little girl at The Boulders ... "no thank you dad"]
We talked this morning about finding opportunities … we can make ourselves known to the world by our godly conduct and polite speech.

POLITENESS IS FADING

Rudeness Is For The Worldly… Continue reading

INTRODUCTION

In 1945, Karl Duncker performed an experiment in which he presented participants with a candle, a box of thumb tacks and a book of matches on a table in a room (Figure 1 below).  He then asked them to affix the candle to the wall such that it would not drip wax onto the table.

Many of the decisions we make are based on the potential for profit, or at least the perception of profit, and it is not always financial profit. When we choose what we are going to eat, it is often a matter of what kind of return we believe we are going to get: Do we want the food that has a more pleasurable taste [which will cause us to… Continue reading

LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF EZRA

INTRODUCTION

A.  As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have been told in His inspired word, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1st Pet. 4:12). In fact, the inspired apostle Paul wrote, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ… Continue reading

ISSUES FACING THE CHURCH TODAY

[Eph. 3:20, 21]

INTRODUCTION

A.  As we saw in the initial lesson on Issues Facing the Church Today, we can never assume that many [or any] of the things that we are going to talk about in this series of lessons will never “happen here” or affect us as members of this church. As has been said already, some of the things… Continue reading

If you have ever sat down and studied God’s word with someone about their salvation and what God’s word teaches, you may have had the occasion where the one with whom you studied balked at the idea of actual obedience and living according to the commandments of Jesus, stating that they believed all people should “just love God and love one another” as the solution to all problems in… Continue reading