The King James translation supplies the term “strange” to reference profane or immoral things. The lesson relates four uses of the term for discussion: Strange Gods, Strange Fire, Strange Woman and Strange Doctrines.
The Bible uses the term heart metaphorically, to refer variously to: the seat of our understanding, will, devotion and conscience. It is a beautiful figure of speech, that contains many lessons for the Christian.
Remember, God brings nations to power and humbles them at His discretion. What will you do about this?
The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9, establishes the authority a preacher has to receive financial support as he labors in the word. Paul did not take advantage of that privilege, lest his motivation be suspect. He did not preach for money, but to save souls. Our motivation too must be to save both ourself and others.
During time of War, and other tribulations, there are spiritual dangers that face both the individual Christian as well as congregations. The Christian should be aware of these dangers, as well as his responsibility to live a faithful life before God in spite of such trials.
The faith has been established “once for all” (cf. Jude 3), and must be defended from any efforts, no matter how transparent, to alter or add to it. I don’t know who this individual is who claims to be speaking with the authority of Jesus, but if he does not repent, he will most certainly perish (cf. Galatians 1:6-9).
Rehoboam lost his kingdom (1 Kings 12), because he listened to ungodly companions. The preacher warned his son of ungodly influences in Proverbs 1:10-19. Christian young people should be aware that “evil companions corrupt good morals.”
The Bible is the best selling book of all time. It is the divine mind of God revealed, and should be respected, revered and studied diligently by men. However, in a recent survey, 64% of all Americans said they do not read their Bible because they are too busy. What kind of attitude do you have, as a Christian, toward God’s word?
For the Christian, role models abound. Elders, preachers, Bible class teachers and other mature Christians show in their lives and example the type of life to be emulated by all. We would do well to heed their example. And, of course, the greatest example is our Lord Himself. Peter put it so eloquently, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:21-22). Look to Jesus as your example, and “follow His steps.”
These are 13 actual questions asked by a Baptist church preacher. His name is David Martin, and he is referred to as the “Pastor” of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, in Bartlett, TN.
The questions appeared in an article written by Martin, entitled, “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher CANNOT Clearly Answer.” To view the article click here. (Note: This link only gets you to their home page. You will have to look for the article. The site uses frames, and does not allow for a direct link to the article).
While it is doubtful we could answer these questions to his satisfaction, these questions are similar to those commonly asked of us by those in the denominations.
We should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15).
An examination of these questions will challenge us to study; and will doubtless increase our faith. The design of the series is to elicit discussion and encourage home study.
Watch yourself. Watch those you are among. Watch for temptation. Flee when you can. When you cannot flee, guard against the temptation, meditate on the words of God, pray to God.
In the first three chapters of his epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul gives an overview of man’s need for, and God’s supply of redemption. Two things emphasized: 1) The power of the gospel; and 2) The universality of sin.
While a man can covet just about anything, and thus sin against God, the primary point of this lesson is to avoid the sin of covetousness as it relates to material things. Achan (Joshua 618-19) is given as an example of one who coveted the “accursed things.”
