Category: Bible

Some passages of scripture are difficult to understand, and must be approached carefully. The lesson talks about suggestions in preparation for such studies, the studies themselves, and the potential for trouble in the aftermath of such study. The lesson is intended to be practical in nature.

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The Bereans were noble because they kept OPEN minds, OPEN Bibles and OPEN Schedules. We need to emulate them.

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“Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? ² She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. ³ She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: ⁴ ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.’” (Proverbs 8:1-4).

There is so much foolishness in the world today as infidels and skeptics are heard on every corner.  The cacophony of voices, each touting their own philosophy, makes it difficult to know what is true and right.  However, true wisdom’s call is present among the voices, and she can be heard, if we apply the correct filter.  That filter is the word of God.

“But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).

Our text states that wisdom proclaims things that are prudent, excellent, right, true and righteous.  There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.  And, “They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge” (5-9).  Look for it in the right place (God’s word), and true wisdom can be found!

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20).

Any man who presumes to speak where God has not is foolish. To boldly claim that God is pleased with actions that are not authorized in scripture is to be self-deceived.

“For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:11-12).

The only way to know God’s will is to study what He has revealed to us. The only safe way is the way that is revealed in the Bible.

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In spiritual matters, we must be moved by faith’s constant desire to know God’s will. We must be true disciples (learners) of Jesus Christ.

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Sermon preached by Josh Cox

The sermon is an examination of 1 Peter 1:22-2:5, with applications.

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There are consequences to men who do not understand their place in relation to God. Too often men seek their own counsel, and pay no respect to the One who made them. “Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; they say, ‘Who sees us?’ and, ‘Who knows us?’ Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, ‘He did not make me’? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’?” (Isaiah, 29:15-16).

Continue reading “Depending Upon the Word of God” →

God’s Word, His will for man remains relevant, powerful, sufficient and suitable as a standard of judgment for men. If we receive that word, and believe it, we will be blessed beyond comprehension.

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The Psalm indicates for us that God is able to revive us through His word, His judgments, and His lovingkindness.

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Bible believers have long defended the text of Scripture against the attacks of skeptics. For a long while this defense, specifically regarding the text of the Old Testament, was made more difficult by relatively recent manuscript evidence that formed the basis of the Hebrew text.

Continue reading “Reading a Lump of Coal” →

Relationships are hard. Lots of women are looking for love. Hopefully, Christian women are searching for a man who is worthy of a possible lifetime commitment.

While some care about whether a man is athletic, good looking, funny or educated, hopefully a Christian woman is more interested in finding a man who will represent, (as closely as possible), the ideal for a potential future husband and father.

Continue reading “Video Transcript: 6 Traits of a “Dateworthy” Man” →

I read an opinion piece recently that sought to explain Donald Trump’s popularity with Evangelicals. It seems peculiar since his lifestyle and morals are so alien to Bible teaching. The article posited that many identify as Evangelicals even though they seldom go to church, and have little familiarity with what the Bible actually teaches. In other words those who self-identify as evangelical consider it more a political identity than a religious one. Perhaps this is true.

Why is it that there are so few who claim to be disciples of Christ that are familiar with, or even interested in studying the Bible? Scripture teaches the importance of knowing God’s will, and that such knowledge is attained solely through the study of His word. Peter wrote, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as new born babes, desire the pure mild of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:1-3). This is what being a disciple is all about. A disciple is one who learns and adopts the ethics of his teacher.

You can’t successfully claim to be a disciple of Christ unless you know and submit to His will!

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