The New Testament reveals an explicit pattern for the organization of the local church. It is to be autonomous, with elders and deacons. The lesson details that pattern established by God.
God has given clear instructions on our communication and speech. Our communication must not be corrupt, we must not be guilty of evil speaking. Rather we must speak the Lord’s will, praise God and proclaim his blessings. Also, our speech toward others must be honest and faithful.
This prayer was that their hearts (referencing both devotion and will) would be directed into the Love of God (indicating a love for God, seen in obedience) and the Patience of Christ (indicating a need for the same patience evinced by the Savior Himself in His life on earth). A wonderful prayer indeed!
It is certainly appropriate to question what God’s will is. We should study our Bibles daily, and use our God given intelligence to determine what it is that God has revealed to us. What we do not have the right to do is to question why God has said what he has said. Or, whether the words contained in scripture are beneficial to man in today’s society. May we say as the Psalmist, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments” (Psalm 119:73).
God has proven that he cares for us. The ultimate expression of that love is His sending Jesus to earth, to die for our sins. As God cares deeply for you, it follows that you should care for Him as well. This is shown in faithful living before Him.
The word “enemy” is used on a number of occasions to represent those antagonistic to Christ and our faith. This lesson examines some of the passages that refer to enemies of the cross of Christ.
Here Paul answers an apparent question regarding the status of those who die prior to our Lord’s second coming. What will happen to those who have “fallen asleep in Jesus?”
The child of God, though happy with his lot on earth, nevertheless is aware of what will come after. So, he eagerly awaits the time when he can be further clothed with immortality, and rest in the presence of Almighty God.
The scriptures teach that the way is strait and the gate narrow that leads to eternal life, and that few will be saved. This sermon seeks to answer why this is so.
The greeting to begin Paul’s letter to the Colossians is very concise, but was full of meaning to the Colossians, and is to God’s children today as well!
While we do not physically see the actual new birth, every child of God evidences the new birth in the life he lives. As Paul wrote, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). When men see our good works, they see evidence of the new birth, and by such “glorify [our] Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Today, diversity is the rule, and no intolerant expressions of faith will be tolerated! A belief in Christ is simply not acceptable because the view does not “fit today’s more diverse context.” Christians should be aware of the changing attitudes a secular society has toward us and our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Clip these New Year’s Resolutions, and put them somewhere conspicuous, like on your refrigerator.
As victorious Israel began its occupation of the land God had promised, an aged Joshua called for a renewed commitment from them. He said, “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” The final phrase should be our mantra in 2009. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Understand this, in our society today we have reached the point where those who either practice or approve of the practice of sin are not content merely with appealing to the tolerance of society. They not only demand our acceptance, but seek to still the mouths of those who continue to object to their sin. They will not rest until the Christian’s mouth is stopped, under penalty of law. We have reached the point where men call “evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20).
