Brethren, more and more we will find ourselves on an “island” in our appeal to truth. However, we should heed the apostle Paul, and diligently strive to “let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.”
We must avoid being influenced to evil. Christians should be careful to develop sufficient knowledge of what God approves, that we might instead be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ.”
God alone is intrinsically holy. However, people can attain a measure of holiness, derived from God. And that is precisely what is required of us as Christians. It is what the grace of God teaches us, (cf. Titus 2:11-14).
Man is different than the animals. He was created by God in His image. His purpose on earth is to serve God, and do His will. In doing this, he secures for himself a place in eternity in the presence of God.
In 2 Corinthians 2:12-17 the apostle Paul uses the metaphor of fragrance or aroma to describe the preaching of the gospel. To some, the word is the aroma of death, while to others it is the aroma of life. We are to preach that gospel (diffuse the aroma), and those who are right minded will accept and embrace it.
The Prayer of Elijah. 1 Kings 18:41-46. Elijah was a righteous man who prayed to God fervently in accord with Jehovah’s will. As such, his prayer was answered. This example serves to teach us important lessons regarding prayer.
Romans 2:11 states that there “is not partiality with God.” Because God is impartial and just, he has given everyone the right to hope. It follows that He requires the same with regard to the redemption of all men. God doesn’t play favorites. He “commands all men everywhere to repent.”
An expository sermon discussing what might first be considered a paradox. The liberty we have in Christ comes as we make ourselves a slave to Him. (Text: Galatians 5:1-6).
The question before us is, What does the Bible require we believe, in order for it to be said that we believe in Jesus. Points made:
The sermon establishes through definitions of terms what is and is not modest dress. In a society that is characterized by immodesty, this lesson is extremely important. It is especially useful for young people.
In the end, it must be understood that men do not have the right to define who is human. That right belongs to God alone. Despite recently claiming that deciding such matters is above his “pay grade”, Obama seems more than willing to put his own arbitrary definition of life into effect as public policy and law.
The apostle Paul admonished the Corinthians for being carnally minded (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10-14; 3:1-4). Their sin manifested itself in their preference for one preacher above another. They felt superior to others in their congregation, and this attitude showed itself in various ways (cf. 5:2,6; 6:1; 8:9; 11:19-21; 14:39-40). Brethren, arrogance and pride has no place in the Christian’s heart. Those who are His must be accepted as just and righteous even if “they” are different from “us.”
“Do not provoke your children to wrath.” This does not mean to not make your children mad. Rather, the provocation would be because of wrong action on the part of the father. In contrast, the godly father is to “bring them up” or grow them into godly men and women through training and nurturing. God’s word supplies the father what is needed in this. We are to follow God’s instructions rather than our own philosophies on childrearing.
