Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: Exhortations to an Evangelist
Paul’s exhortations to the evangelist Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 & 5 serve both to explain aspects of the evangelist’s work, and to supply every Christian with applicable principles of truth.
The Problem with Euphemisms
Language is a problematic thing for Christians. They find themselves, time and again, caught in sin because of their tongue. Truly James knew of what he wrote when he penned the following: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Gossip, slander, idle words, profanity, taking the Lord’s name in vain — all of these corrupt fruits of the tongue cause brethren to sin. It is important we remember that “no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). If we keep a tight rein on our tongues, we can control them. But, we can never assume that we are beyond the danger of sinning with our speech.
One problem area of speech is that of exclamations. It is a natural thing when one is surprised, excited, angry or hurt to exclaim. Exclamations are the words and short phrases that we blurt out without forethought. And that is the problem, we engage our mouths without engaging our minds.
The Patternists: God’s Foolishnesss
“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).
This verse reveals two very important things:
First, man’s wisdom does not lead to a knowledge of God. It is not surprising that our secular society denies and ridicules the belief that an almighty and merciful God exists.
Second, God determined to reveal Himself and His will for man. He did this through written scripture (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The truths revealed in that written word are the way God saves man. Paul wrote, “we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).
Any who guide you in a way of man’s devising, lead you to destruction. The way to life is revealed solely by God Himself. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
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FB: Do not give place to the Devil!
In Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul wrote, “‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”
There are many ways we can “give place to the devil.” Mentioned in the text are lying, stealing, all types of evil speaking, bitterness, clamor and malice. In verse 26 the problem Paul addresses is anger.
We all get angry. But, we must control it when it comes, and rid ourselves of it as soon as possible. Otherwise, Satan will use it to cause us to sin. Do not give place to the Devil!
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Invitation: The Wonderful Hope of the Christian
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 the apostle eloquently describes the hope of the Christian in the resurrection.
Sermon: What is that in your hand?
In Exodus 4, God showed Moses that the rod in his hand could be used to prove to the people that He had chosen Moses to lead them out of Egyptian bondage.
We also have things in our hand, which if used well, can accomplish God’s purposes for us in our lives.
Sermon: Love’s Imperative
In 1 John 3, the apostle describes the vital importance of love in the Christian’s relationship both to his God and his brethren.
Invitation: Overcoming Temptation
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul notes that temptations are common to all men. We must resist temptation, and if we do we have the assurance that God will help us.
The Good Confession
The good confession Paul refers to in 1 Timothy 6:6-11 is that Jesus is the King of the Jews, the Annointed, the Son of the living God. This is why it is so important to live for Him.
Keep Your Wedding Vows!
When a man and woman say “I Do”, and agree to the marriage covenant, the vows they make to one another are also made to God. The obligations are serious, and to break the vows is treacherous.
The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)
Lesson 8 of 8
Speaker: Caleb Westbrook
The parable examines the different hearts of men as they hear the gospel of Christ, by comparing them to different types of soil. Which type of soil are you?
The Kingdom Parables (Matthew 13:31-33, 44-50)
Lesson 7 of 8
Speaker: Kris Braddock
Five parables about the Kingdom of heaven are discussed, establishing truths about power, influence, value and judgment.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
Lesson 6 of 8
Speaker: Chip Foster
This parable teaches us that we must forgive in order to be forgiven, that forgiveness is to be offered without limitation, and that it must come from the heart.
“Come over … and help us”
While in Troas during his second preaching tour, the apostle Paul had a vision in the night. In the vision, “A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). The text reveals that Paul was obedient to the vision, Luke recording him as having concluded “that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them” (10).
The journey took Paul and his companions to Philippi, where they were beaten with rods, and placed into prison (cf. 16:22-24). After traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they went to Thessalonica, where again they fell afoul of the enemies of the cross (17:5). This necessitated a departure under cover of darkness to Berea. Some from Thessalonica followed them, and stirred up the crowds against Paul yet again (17:13). Finally Paul traveled to Athens, where his message was met with mocking (17:32).
Our Nation is a Mess!
Setting aside the different views regarding economic policy, and questions regarding the proper response to terrorism, immigration and climate change — it is obvious to those who hold Christian values that our nation has lost its way. The wise man wrote, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Politically, for a while now our nation has adopted a two party system for governance. And, for a while now, both parties have advocated policies and practices that are characterized by greed, immorality and inhumanity. This is seen in party platforms, and more egregiously in the personal lives, practices and positions of our national leaders. Even those who give lip service to Christian values are quick to compromise those values when it suits them.
