Author: Stan Cox

The lesson establishes that God is impartial, and discusses the ramifications of that fact as it impacts the redemption of mankind.

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Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

In a discussion of Philippians 4:12-13, Kyle points out that we must appeal to the strength of Christ both during bad times (when discouragement may set in), and during good times (when temptation may distract).

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The scriptures describe heaven (among other things) as a habitation, a homeland, an inheritance, a rest and a crown. Each of these descriptive terms reveal wonderful aspects of our eternal reward.

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The lesson is a study on influence. Our need to emulate champions of faith – and our responsibility to serve as an influence on others.

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In Colossians 3:1-2, the apostle Paul wrote, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” In light of the corruption that is present in our own society, such words are certainly needed.

The call is for Christians to comport themselves differently because of their relationship with their Savior.  We have been raised with Christ.  As Paul put it in Romans 6:4, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” While not explicitly stated in the text, our leaving the waters of baptism, dead to sin and alive to Christ, is a raising that parallels the resurrection of our Lord.  It is a new birth, a renewal, a conversion.  We should not longer be as the world, but rather “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).

The call is accomplished in the mind.  We set our minds on things above.  Our focus is not on the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, but on our eternal abode and the things of God.

Why do we do this?  Back to Colossians 3:4, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” The old man (the man of sin) is dead.  Because of this, the new man is to “put to death [his] members which are on the earth” (vs. 5).  This is not optional.  It is what it means to belong to Him.

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Paul thanked God for the Philippian’s fellowship, or participation in the gospel of Christ. Whenever we “participate” in the gospel, we cause joy in heaven!

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When a discussion centers on what a man must do to be saved, it is commonly asked “What about the thief on the cross?” Does Jesus’ pardon of the thief, recorded in Luke 23, have any bearing on what He expects of us as we respond to the gospel?

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Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera

Armando used the text of 1 Corinthians 12:12-ff to establish the importance of every Christian as we seek to edify one another as members of the body of Christ.

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An overview of Reformed Theology complete with a discussion of God’s Sovereignty, source quotes from Calvinists, and a sampling of verses that refute the 5 major tenets of Calvinism, as represented in the acrostic T.U.L.I.P.

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Lesson 8 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

In John 1, the apostle affirms that Jesus is the Eternal God, Who created the universe and everything in it, Who came to earth as a man, and Who became the Light of the world, declaring the Father, as the Savior of Mankind.

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The second chapter of the book of Acts records the activities of Christians at the dawn of the church’s existence. “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (vs. 44-47).

The text reveals an idyllic state among the people of God — one to which we today should aspire. Luke quickly begins to recount sin among the brethren (Acts 5), cultural conflicts (Acts 6) as well as persecution from without (Acts 7). But, early on there was only joy and encouragement as brethren showed hospitality toward each other, and came together in praise and worship to God.

No doubt such joy is available to Christians today. It is possible for righteous people of God to have the same mind, to endure opposition, and maintain the peace and joy that comes from our common heritage. It must be fostered and maintained, but it is possible, and it is a state God desires for his people.

If you want that joy, then do as they did in Acts 2. Assemble with the saints to worship God. Show love to your brethren through benevolence and hospitality. Thank God for the wonderful blessings you receive. Be glad for who you are, and the hope of heaven you enjoy. It is wonderful to be a child of God, and to rejoice in the hope of heaven!

Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

Kyle delivered an interesting and enlightening Bible “quiz” to encourage daily Bible study.

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The text of 1 Corinthians 2 shows Paul to be a man, though educated, who placed his trust in the gospel of Christ and it alone. As he humbly proclaimed it, we are to humbly accept it. The gospel is God’s power to save.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

People ask why the Bible matters in our modern times. The answer is, it matters because it’s true. Truth is timeless and always relevant, and God’s word is true, cf. Psalm 119:160.

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A series of 11 spiritual resolutions to improve your Christian walk in the new year of 2013.

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