[Romans 12:12]

INTRODUCTION

A. I suppose that we all have known or met fellow Christians who seem to go through life looking like they were “weaned on a sour pickle” or were useless for any good work when things were going rough for them; they have a sour face most of the time, or are ones who will complain when asked to shoulder their part in the work… Continue reading

A few years ago, I wrote an article on one of my word studies; that particular article was on the word opportunity. The word comes from a Latin phrase, ob portum veniēns, which literally translated means ‘coming toward a port,’ in reference to the wind. The word’s origin is an obvious reference to a sailor’s recognition that a wind blowing toward a port is a favorable wind because it will… Continue reading

INTRODUCTION

1. This morning we’re going to talk about 6 ways that the denominational world is influencing the church of Christ today.
2. We’re not going to talk about the obvious influence of denominationalism (i.e. when we begin to allow denominational beliefs into our hearts), however we are going to dig deeper, to consider a more subtle way that the Devil is turning the Lord’s people away from Him.
3. My goal in this

[Ephesians 4:1-16]

INTRODUCTION

A. As we continue our look at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we now come to a portion of the letter in which Paul writes to urge the brethren to be unified in the faith. Unity is one of those subjects that is often discussed in the religious circles, but seldom ever sincerely pursued. It is talked about like some high goal [and it is]… Continue reading

[1st Peter 1:3, 4]

INTRODUCTION

A. As we conclude our study of the need for Passing the Torch to the next generation let’s take a minute and think about the lessons we have considered so far. In the past six months, we have considered the need to be an example to believers, to exhort the young men and admonish the young women, to teach our children, to pass… Continue reading

It all started innocently enough. I volunteered to clean the top of the kitchen cabinets, a job that isn’t always pleasant, but has to be done occasionally. That one “small” job has become a lot more, with other neglected areas of the house being addressed by my wife and I [mostly her], and even some painting in one of the rooms that our little one will be moving into soon… Continue reading

INTRODUCTION

A. In spiritual matters as to which way we will go, there are two choices: God’s way or not God’s way. In everything we do that relates to our spiritual standing, we either do that which is pleasing to Him, or we do that which is not pleasing to Him. In spiritual matters, for everything we do, we are choosing to God’s will or our… Continue reading

An understudy is someone who learns a role to replace an actor, if necessary. The term has come to be used in non-theatrical applications, and has come to mean anyone who studies or learns the position or trade of another to replace them when the time comes. In spiritual matters, maybe we don’t think about this as much as we should.

Parents. As a parent, if you are also a disciple… Continue reading

[Matt. 7:1-5]

INTRODUCTION

A. One of the easiest thing to do as a Christian is to look at another and find some fault in them - either in what they say or what they do. None of us are without faults, so it doesn’t take much effort to find something wrong. But, it’s a lot harder to hold up the mirror and look at ourselves. We seldom take… Continue reading

WHY MUST WE?

1. WE CANNOT SEE / ENTER THE KINGDOM
   1. Jesus states it clearly. While Nicodemus did not understand the meaning of being born again, he surely should have understood the value of it. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” … “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit

[1st Timothy 3:1-7]

INTRODUCTION

A. As we continue our study of the need for Passing the Torch to the next generation and has been said already, it is important that we have in our minds those who are a part of the “next generation” of disciples, and we should be thinking now about the future - their future. As has been said in previous lessons, as we… Continue reading

Since the beginning of mankind’s existence, he has sought God. That should come as no surprise to those who now know God and His word, for He has told us He has placed limits on our time and place of habitation for that very purpose (cf. Acts 17:26, 27). As we also probably know, though, man - in his search for God - has often been led astray or… Continue reading