Category: Christ

The first three gospels are known as synoptic. The term is defined: “of or forming a general outline or synopsis.” Each of these gospels contain a generally chronological snapshot of the life of our Lord. They are not exhaustive. Though similar, they are written from different perspectives. As would be expected, they emphasize different aspects of Jesus’ life, ministry and teaching.

It would be improper to refer to the gospels as either biographies or histories, though there are elements of each in all four of the books. Too often the works are criticized because they do not make a formal and verifiable effort to document the life of the Lord. Such attacks are unfair in imposing modern standards upon ancient writings, and in failing to recognize the theological motivations of the writers. As John wrote in John 20:30-31, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Continue reading “The Gospel of Mark (Witness of the Christ)” →

Romans 5:6-8 states, “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

It is interesting that Paul compares (in an unfavorable fashion) a “righteous” man and a “good” man to us as sinners. While we desire to be known as righteous, and can be, the reality is that we all have sinned, and as such appear as unrighteous before God.

And yet, God sent His son to die in our place. Both at the time of Christ’s sacrifice and today as well, men respond to that love and gift of grace with indifference and even a rebellious spirit.

In the very next chapter, Paul reveals the proper response to the love shown us by Christ. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certinaly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1b-2).

May all of us who have responded the Lord’s gospel remember the call of Christ, to live “soberly, righteously and godly in the present age” (cf. Titus 2:12).

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Luke 23:13-24, the narrative reveals Pilate’s conversation with the Jews, noting that Pilate recognized the innocence of Christ. Christ died, not because He was guilty, but because of OUR sin (1 Peter 2:21-25).

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Sacrifice, either metaphorical or literal, is a common component of most of the world’s religions. While some may believe the practice of sacrifice, (especially blood sacrifice), to be of human origin, the Bible reveals otherwise.

The first example of blood sacrifice was offered by Abel, as recorded in Genesis 4. Cain offered a grain sacrifice to God, but Abel offered the firstborn of his flock (vs. 4). God was pleased with Abel’s sacrifice, as the Hebrew writer stated, because it was offered by faith (cf. Hebrews 11:4). This means that Abel was following the directions of God, Who had commanded the animal sacrifice he offered.

Continue reading “The Necessity of Sacrifice” →

This lesson is an exposition of John 8, with analysis and contrast.

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The apostle Paul affirmed to the Ephesians that God’s plan of salvation for man was devised long before he walked on the earth. Paul wrote, “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will” (Ephesians 1:4-5).

Since this is so, it is not surprising that there are indications given of that plan early in man’s history. Shortly after the fall of man, as God related the consequence of the sin committed, he said to the tempter (in serpent form), “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:14-15). While the animosity between man and snake is evident, as is the reality of their legless existence, Bible students understand the greatest significance is spiritual, derived from the words found in verse 15. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise heel.” Notice that the references to the Seed of woman, both in the designation and the pronouns that accompany it, are all capitalized. That is because the translators (NKJ) recognize this to be a Messianic prophecy, shadowing the, at that time, future battle between Satan and Jesus Christ.

Continue reading “The Seed of Woman” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Hebrews 7 describes the superiority of Christ as our High Priest. He is perfect, both as sacrifice and priest. Therefore, He is able to save us to the uttermost.

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Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell

This lesson explains the part that blood plays in God’s scheme of redemption, with a special emphasis on the correlation between the blood of Jesus and water baptism, and the importance of observing the Lord’s Supper.

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The significance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and what it accomplished for men.

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Powerpoint Slides

This sermon is an overview of God’s great scheme of redemption.

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Powerpoint Slides

Verse 7 is a wonderful, concise statement revealing the way God redeemed man. It is through the blood of Jesus. As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, that we might not die for our transgressions. This gift of the Son is the extension of God’s grace to man.

This gift granted is the result of God’s wisdom and prudence. The word prudence is defined by Strong as “intellectual or moral insight.” The problem of sin is a difficult one, solved only by Divine wisdom and action. We can’t save ourselves. Salvation comes from God’s wise and prudent gift of his Son Jesus.

Jesus’ sacrifice is the culmination of God’s scheme of redemption. He came in the “fullness of time.” God determined to save man at that time, in that way.

Jesus’ sacrifice is for all men. In Christ, “all things” are gathered together. There is no distinction between in race or gender. All are eligible for salvation — “In Him.”

Invitation delivered by: Chad Gallman

Chad points out that if we want to be saved, we can not do our own thing. Instead, we should imitate Jesus Christ, who, though He was the Son of God, did not do His own will, but the will of His Father.

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In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul uses the text of Exodus 34:29-35 to establish a contrast between the glory of the Old Covenant and the exceeding glory of the New Covenant. He concludes that the hope we enjoy is because of the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ (4:6).

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Every aspect of Jesus’ character, life and habits are worth imitating. One aspect of His life we can learn from is His practice of praying to His heavenly Father. The lesson examines those habits, and makes proper applications.

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Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The world tries to convince us that there are many ways to reach heaven. In this lesson, Josh reveals the one way to be saved.

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