[1st Peter 5:8, 9]

INTRODUCTION

A. Just about two years ago, a movie was released with this title - the story of Michael Oher, who was an offensive lineman who came up from very difficult circumstances to be drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. The movie begins with an explanation of why such men as Oher were so highly sought after, where once… Continue reading

As Jesus walked towards the hill on which He would be soon crucified, the crowds followed Him and some of the women [likely those who had been His disciples already] were mourning and lamenting Him (Luke 23:27). I imagine most of us would expect that would be the case, and we would not discourage it because we see it as normal behavior. But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters… Continue reading

[Ephesians 5:22-6:9]

INTRODUCTION

A. Submission is one of those words that is not widely used today - at least not in a positive way. It has almost become equated with the word slavery to some! Submission is something no one seems to want to be willing to do nowadays because it has become a word of derision and many people thinks it implies inferiority and something no one wants to be… Continue reading

[1st Thessalonians 4:1]

INTRODUCTION

A. As we continue this series on Excelling Still More, let us once again make sure our aim is to honestly examine ourselves to see if we are truly doing the best that we can do for the Lord, and the most that we can do for the Lord; the aim of these lessons is to show from God’s word what we should be… Continue reading

A sad trend exists within our country as of late, and one that speaks ill of the direction of this country and even of those who profess to be people of God. The trend I am speaking of is that of so many to shift the responsibility of helping others or doing work that needs to be done to someone else or some institution.

A few decades ago, brethren - who… Continue reading

INTRODUCTION

A. During the period of the Old Testament, the central place of worship was the tabernacle [in the wilderness; Exod. 25] and the temple [in Canaan; 1st Kings 7]. God gave particular instructions as to how the tabernacle was to be made and the temple, too, and nothing less than the best was acceptable. The temple was known also as the house of God because that was where God figuratively… Continue reading

[Gal. 4:3-5; Eph. 1:3-6]

INTRODUCTION

A. As most of you probably know, we just recently completed the adoption process for our little man, Caden, and he is now “officially” a part of our family. I have to tell you that we certainly learned some things, in the process of adoption, about adoption. When you’re going through this process, there are many rules or laws that must be followed; errors can and… Continue reading

An individual who obeys the gospel does so because he has [1] been convicted of the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, [2] realized his lost condition, and [3] desired to no longer be lost, but desirous of forgiveness and eternal salvation. Every convert should go through those intellectual and/or mental decisions, but the new convert surely cannot continue to think only of self; at some… Continue reading

[Mark 16:16b]

INTRODUCTION

A. In a passage which is so often used to defend or reject a command of our Lord, often overlooked is the simple statement of Jesus, “he who does not believe will be condemned.” Passed over in the discussion of ‘what saves’ is ‘what condemns?’ Simply stated, it is when one does not believe. And faith is indeed an important thing. Such statements as “without faith it is… Continue reading

[Ephesians 4:32]

INTRODUCTION

A. As we continue this series on Excelling Still More, let us once again make sure our aim is to honestly examine ourselves to see if we are truly doing the best that we can do for the Lord, and the most that we can do for the Lord; the aim of these lessons is to show from God’s word what we should be doing… Continue reading

The following letter is from a troubled man who felt compelled to write down his thoughts and his words to God. In what was likely a prayer, these words were written down with the hopes others would know of his troubles and, at the same time, his confidence in God to be delivered from those troubles. I share it with you in the hopes you will find the same confidence… Continue reading