Category: Christ
Subject: Christ
Daniel’s Kingdom Prophecies
Two of the visions recorded in the book of Daniel are very similar in their main parts. And, the fulfillment of the prophecies are clearly seen in the writings of the New Testament. Here is a simple overview of these truths.
The first vision, recorded in Daniel 2, was a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. A great image with a head of gold, a chest and arms of silver, a belly and thighs of bronze, and legs of iron with feet partly of iron and clay were seen by the king. A stone struck the image on its feet, and them in pieces bring the entire image to ruin. The stone became a great mountain that filled the earth. The interpretation give by Daniel is found in verses 36-45. Continue reading “Daniel’s Kingdom Prophecies”
Mining the Scriptures: Luke 1:26-38
Our text relates the news given to Mary that she would be the one to give birth to the Savior of mankind. Here is what the text tells us: Mary was a virgin. The news of this great blessing was delivered to her by an angel. Her being chosen was a great blessing and a reason to rejoice. Her Son, who would be called Jesus, would be the promised Messiah, and “of His kingdom there will not end.” The means of conception was through the power of the Highest, as the Holy Spirit would come upon her. Finally, that Mary accepted this blessing.
Here is what the text does not tell us: That this blessing bestowed upon Mary in some way elevated her above others. She was “highly favored”, and “blessed… among women”, but her blessing did not change who she was. Too, there is clear indication from Jesus Himself (in Matthew 12:46-50) that the physical relationship that He had with her as His mother was not significant compared to the spiritual relationship He had with His disciples. There is no indication that Mary’s own conception was immaculate. Nor is there an indication that she in any way serves as a mediatrix between us and God. These things are the inventions of men and should be disregarded.
Mining the Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus taught as “one having authority” in contrast to the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught the people from the law, making their appeal based upon Moses or the prophets. However, Jesus’ teaching was different. Consider His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). Again and again He made clear, “You have heard… but I say unto you…” Such authoritative statements amazed His audience.
The demons recognized the authority of Jesus. “I know who You are—the Holy One of God” (24). It is amazing how Jesus was rejected by so many in His day. While the demons recognized Him as God’s Son, often men did not.
However, early in His ministry He certainly had an impact upon those who heard Him. When Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, the authority with which He spoke led to the exorcism of the demon. This was new, and made clear the authoritative way in which Jesus spoke was legitimate. As such, “they were all amazed” (27).
It also gave Jesus notoriety. His words, together with His works made Him famous in the area. Such fame was a two edged sword. The people eagerly came to Him. The leaders felt threatened by Him.
Mining the Scriptures: Matthew 2:7-12
King Herod desired the destruction of his perceived rival, the prophesied Son of David. His instructions in our text were a ruse to enable him to assassinate the child. This is evident from verses 16-18.
We see the inability of men to accomplish any intent that God determines will not happen. The wise men departed in accord with Herod’s instructions, and did indeed find the child. They rejoiced, and worshiped Jesus, knowing He was the prophesied Savior. They shared gifts with the child. (Note: The fact that there are three gifts mentioned does not necessarily indicate three wise men. The traditions concerning the number and names of the wise men are merely speculation, not from scripture).
God defeated Herod’s plan by warning the wise men not to return to Herod. And so they returned to their own country rather than returning to Herod with the location of the child. No man, no matter how powerful, is able to thwart God’s scheme for redeeming man!
“Then Job answered the Lord and said: ‘I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You’” (Job 42:1-2).
Sermon: Better Than the Angels
An appeal is made to the contrast the Hebrew writer makes in the first chapter of his letter. He clearly shows the superiority of Jesus to the angels of God.
Fall 2022 Meeting with Kyle Campbell
Our Fall Meeting, 2022 with Kyle Campbell, November 5, 2002. A series of fundamental lessons answering fundamental questions.
The theme: “Can you show”
Lesson 1: Can You Show That There is a God? (Saturday)
Lesson 2: Can You Show that the Bible is the Word of God? (Sunday 9AM)
Lesson 3: Can You Show that Jesus Rose from the Dead? (Sunday 10AM)
Lesson 4: Can You Show What the Bible Says? (Sunday 11AM)
Lesson 5: Can You Show That the Bible Can be Understood? (Monday)
Lesson 6: Can You Show How We are Saved? (Tuesday)
Lesson 7: Can You Show What Worship Is? (Wednesday 10AM)
Lesson 8: Can You Show What the Church Does? (Wednesday PM)
Lesson 9: Can You Show That Chrisitans are Moral People (Thursday)
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Sermon: The Authority of Christ
In this lesson, the premise that all authority resides in the Lord Jesus is affirmed.
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Sermon: God’s Covenant with Abraham
First in a series of lessons dealing with principles of Authority. God’s covenant with Abraham establishes the promises God made an fulfilled, ending with the establishment of Jesus Christ as Lord and Christ. (Note: The video consists only of the slides and audio. Video of the speaker was not available).
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The Preeminence of Jesus Christ
Early in his epistle, Paul encouraged the Christians in Colosse to “walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him” (Colossians 1:10). A question to be asked, “Why are the Father and His Son Jesus Christ deserving of such faithfulness?” Paul answers the question in this text.
Jesus strengthens His disciples with His own glorious power, giving them might, patience, longersuffering and joy (11). Other passages confirm this same truth. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). He affirmed in Ephesians 6 that by utilizing the protections afforded by the Lord (the armor of God), we can “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (16). Having done all, the Christian can stand with Jesus’ help (cf. 13).
Sermon: The Once and Eternal King
Jesus Christ reigns on His throne today, and will continue to reign through eternity.
Sermon: The Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
A discussion of the rudimentary points of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as stated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.
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Sermon: The Scarlet Thread of Redemption
God’s plan for redeeming man runs throughout the entirety of the Bible, tying all of the books from Genesis to Revelation together. An overview of that plan is discussed.
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Sermon: Proof of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection
Short 8:30 minute invitation talk.
It was not only the disciples of Jesus who witnessed His power over death. When Jesus raised Lazarus, for example, John 11 reveals that the Jewish leaders acknowledged His power as well. They sought to kill Him for it.
Sermon: The Suffering Savior
The Jews in the first century had a mistaken view of the coming Messiah. They believed in the restoration of a physical kingdom, and a defeat of Rome. The scriptures taught the necessity of a suffering Savior.
Sermon: The Eternal Word
In the beginning was the Word. God in the flesh. Jesus is God the Son, as affirmed by Jesus in John 1.
