Category: Subject Index

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 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.

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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.

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In 1 John 3, the apostle describes the vital importance of love in the Christian’s relationship both to his God and his brethren.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Powerpoint Slides

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?

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Powerpoint Slides

Lesson 7 of 8
Speaker: Kris Braddock

Five parables about the Kingdom of heaven are discussed, establishing truths about power, influence, value and judgment.

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Powerpoint Slides

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.

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Powerpoint Slides

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).

Continue reading ““Come over … and help us”” →

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.

Continue reading “Our Nation is a Mess!” →

Lesson 5 of 8
Speaker: Nathan Quinn

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is actually a parable about two brothers, with two important lessons:

1) Return to God
2) Rejoice at the salvation of a lost soul

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“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

This passage is among the most abused in the entire Bible. It does not give authority for women preachers or elders, nor does it give any comfort to those who claim homosexuality is given God’s tacit approval by the words. Such views do great violence not only to the immediate context, but also the greater context of the Bible as a whole.

What the passage does is validate the worth of every soul. The Jew can not justly claim the Gentile is denied “repentance unto life” (cf. Acts 11:18). Men can’t deny that the souls of women are as precious and valuable to the Lord as their own. Slaves can’t be considered mere chattel, less than human. All men and women, no matter their social standing, culture or race are precious in the sight of God. They are given the opportunity by the Almighty to appeal to His mercy and grace for their redemption.

God is no respecter of persons. The apostle Paul affirms that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). As such, He sent His Son, “who gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6). There are no second class citizens in the kingdom of God. Every creature can come to Him, and “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the ineritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24).

Have you considered that every aspect of your existence here on earth is to be controlled by the Lord? That in every relationship you have – familial, fraternal, civic or business – your words and actions are to accord with the will of Jesus Christ.

The words, “for you serve the Lord Christ” require of you honesty, industry, mercy and love. Respect for authority comes directly from a respect for Christ’s authority. A flouting of any authority, be it the President, a police officer, or your employer, constitutes a flouting of the authority of your Lord.

Remember, whatever you do is to be done, not as to men, but rather “as to the Lord.” You belong to Him!

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