Category: Faith
Subject: Faith
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:20-21
Peter affirms here that God’s plan for redeeming man was formulated before the creation. This was not an effort to mitigate any mistake, God knew that free will would bring about disobedience. As such, a means of reconciliation between Him and man was necessary. The same sentiment is expressed in Ephesians 1:3-14.
This scheme of redeeming man came to a climax in the first century, the latter days, when Jesus was manifest to man. He came to earth as a man, lived a sinless life, taught His will, died on the cross, was resurrected from the dead, and ascended back into heaven. This was done, as Peter wrote, “to you who through Him believe in God.”
Jesus, who humbled Himself even to the point of death (cf. Philippians 2:8), was given glory by His Father, as He raised Jesus to sit at His right hand on heaven’s throne. In this it can truly be said that in Jesus, (and in Him alone, cf. John 14:6), reside our faith and hope for an eternity as the redeemed in heaven!
Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 2:1-10
In the first three verses here, Paul expressed his concern and diligence in encouraging his brethren. Specifically those in Laodicea and Colosse. He did this in his ministry by sharing his understanding of God’s will, in which are “hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (3).
In verses 4-10 he contrasts the Divine wisdom with the foolish philosophies of men. What he refers to as “persuasive words.” They have persuasive power to the uninformed, but are false. We are to walk in God’s word, not “philosophy and empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (8).
This is an important warning that Christians need to hear today. We are complete in Christ. He is the preeminent One, the “head of all principality and power” (10). To place our trust and faith in any man rather than the Lord Jesus Christ is foolish and Paul wrote that it “cheat”-’s us out of our standing with God!
Christ is a Stumbling Stone!
This what the apostle Paul claims, when he wrote to the Romans about the failures of the Jews, “Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” (Romans 9:32-33).
Paul here referred to Psalm 118:22-24, a clear reference to the Messiah of Israel, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:22-24).
And so we see Paul’s point. The Jews, did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God. This was predicted by the psalmist, so it was no surprise. Yes, Jesus is the Savior, He is the King, He is a wonderful Teacher, He was God on the earth, He is our eternal Intercessor.
This is the means of salvation the Jew AND ALSO for the Gentile. Faith in Christ is what makes Jesus positive to you, rather than you being one who stumbles “at that stumbling stone.” Paul stated the “fragrance of Christ” was an aroma of death to those who reject, but a precious “aroma to life” for those who are being saved, (2 Cor. 2:15-16a). What is He to you?
Sermon: The Triumph of Our Faith (Romans 5:1-11)
A discussion of Romans 5:1-11, discussing salvation, obtained by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus, bringing us a firm hope of eternity with God.
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Sermon: Invest in your Faith
Stan talks about the need for faith to grow, and shows via 2 Peter 1:5-8, the eternal consequences of a strong faith. Then actions and resources are examined to show how faith can be strengthened.
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The Practice of Your Faith
In the last chapter of Colossians, after giving some specific instruction regarding familial responsibilities, the great apostle ended his admonitions to his readers with some general instruction in living the Christian life. Note the following, in Colossians 4:2-6:
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
These verses serve as an inspired explanation of James’ contention, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). These admonitions of Paul in Colossians 4 begin to flesh out that of which a life of faith should consist. Continue reading “The Practice of Your Faith”
It Takes All Kinds
This important lesson is illustrated in 1 Kings 18. The prophet Elijah was in conflict with King Ahab. The conflict had led Elijah to proclaim a drought in the land which lasted for several years. “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word” (1 Kings 17:1). This was in response to Ahab’s sin.
During the drought (just before Elijah’s prayer brought it to an end, and before Ahab knew it was about to end), the Lord told Elijah to go and present himself to Ahab. Continue reading “It Takes All Kinds”
Sermon: The Sinner’s Prayer
The Bible indeed teaches that we must receive the gift of God’s grace to be saved. How do we receive it? Scripture reveals that it IS NOT by saying a “Sinner’s Prayer.”
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Sermon: The Just Shall Live By Faith
An examination of the phrase found in Habakkuk 2:4, establishing the difference between the proud and insolent, and the believer who humbles himself before God.
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Sermon: Fear’s Snare and Faith’s Haven
Guest speaker Jeremiah Cox discusses Proverbs 29:25, showing that trust in God overcomes any fear that is caused by man.
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Mining the Scriptures: Luke 1:39-45
In Luke 1:36, Elizabeth (an older woman) is identified as a relative of the virgin Mary. She had conceived in her old age, blessed by God, and would eventually give birth to John the Baptist.
Mary went to Elizabeth, and when they met, we are told, the babe leapt in Elizabeth’s womb. This is a strong pro-life passage. The word babe is from the Greek brephos and refers, depending upon the passage, to either an unborn child or a small child, an infant. Two things are noted in verse 41. The fetus was a baby, and the baby “leaped” indicating life. This is scripture and logical. Only God has the right to determine when life begins, not men. It seems here that the unborn child of Elizabeth is regarding by the Holy Spirit as being alive.
Elizabeth understood the significance of the visit. She called Mary, the “mother of my Lord” (43). She was honored by the visit.
Verse 45 indicates that Elizabeth recognized the faith of Mary. Mary believed what the angel said. Mary could be said to be the first to have faith in Jesus. Her life from that point on would be eventful!
What Happens When We Are Faithful?
Ian Tilley talks about the benefits as well as the cost of being a faithful child of God.
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Sermon: Characteristics Needed for True Faith
Ian Tilley describes a few of the characteristics needed to have true faith.
Heroes of Faith
Our lesson details several men of Hebrews 11, Enoch, Gideon, Barak and Jephthah whose faith is noted in the chapter, as an example for us to follow!
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Salvation by Grace Through Faith
An important discussion of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians is summarized in Ephesians 2:8-9. This passage is familiar to all:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
So often Christians have to discuss what the text is not saying, so as to protect against the doctrine of “Salvation by Faith Only.” This is laudable, and not to be criticized. But, it is good to simply express the truths that are established by this passage. Continue reading “Salvation by Grace Through Faith”
