Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Invitation: Desire to Save Souls
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In Colossians 4:2-6, Paul requested prayers, that he might be able and effective in the preaching of the gospel. He expresses that we need to have the same desire.
Sermon: God is not like us
Psalm 50:21 reveals that God is not at all like us:
* He does not think like us
* He is not limited in knowledge
* He is not limited by time
* He is not limited in power
* He does not sin like us
Invitation: Receive the Kingdom as a Little Child
Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera
In Luke 18:16-17, Jesus commented on the innocence of the little children, noting the importance of becoming as a child to enter the kingdom of God.
Mining the Scriptures: Matthew 2:1-6
Our text describes a group of men called “magi,” or wise men, from the east who had observed astronomically a sign which led them to believe the King of the Jews had been born. We can only speculate concerning the nature of that star. It is evident that the sign convinced both these wise men and Herod the Great that the promised Messiah had come.
Herod was a usurper of the throne of Judah, and no doubt this event caused him great anxiety. He was “troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (3). This was the first, but not the last time that the Savior would experience the opposition of men who were more concerned with their status than with the truth.
The place of Jesus’ birth was predicted by Micah (5:2). It was Bethlehem of Judea, the home town of Jesus’ earthly father Joseph. Herod’s inquiry of the scribes was for the purpose of locating and killing the child he perceived to be his rival (cf. 2:13).
Sermon by Bob Ward.Sermon: Spread the Gospel
Sermon by Josh Cox.
The text of Matthew 10, where Jesus commissioned his apostles to spread his gospel is used as a parallel to express our own responsibilities to preach the good news.
Mining the Scriptures: Revelation 4:1-8
In his salutation to the seven churches of Asia, identified by name in chapters 2 & 3, he pronounces blessings upon them from the Father “Him who is and who was and who is to come”, the Holy Spirit “the seven Spirits who are before His throne”, and the Son “the firstborn from the dead.”
(Note: some believe the phrase “seven Spirits” refers to the spirits of the seven churches, but it seems the context is referring to each person of the Godhead, in turn. As such, the number seven would have symbolic significance as a reference to the Holy Spirit).
Regardless, John affirms Jesus as our Lord and Savior (6), and promises His second coming (7). The central theme of the book is our victory through the power of God. He is the “Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End… who is and was and who is to come, the Almighty” (8).
Joshua: A Godly and Successful Leader
The book of Joshua contains a wonderful summary of his leadership of Israel. Joshua was a man of great character and loyalty to God. During his service to God and His people, the nation took possession of the land of Canaan, obtaining the inheritance God had promised to Abraham and his descendants.
While each individual is responsible for his own relationship with God, a good leader can exert influence to keep men faithful to the Almighty. Joshua is an example of such a man. As he ascended to the leadership role, God promised him, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (1:9). Of course, that favor was contingent upon his loyalty to the Lord, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (1:7).
Invitation: Ongoing Christian Development
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
2 Peter 1:5-11 talks of the need of continual spiritual development as a child of God.
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Proper Perspective Toward Sin
You see many short pithy sayings splashed across Facebook and other internet pages these days — words that are an attempt at wisdom or profundity, sometimes accompanied by a provocative picture to illustrate the point. Many such sentiments are more foolish than wise, more obtuse than profound. Occasionally, though, you come across something pretty good. Like this short, uncredited tidbit:
“I refuse to entertain myself with the things
for which my God went to the cross.”
These words present an attitude of militant loyalty that is sorely lacking among Christians today. We need to understand that entertaining ourselves with sinful things is traitorous action toward God! As James wrote, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (4:4).
The next time you are tempted to see that sexually provocative movie, read that racy novel, gaze upon that immodestly dressed woman, hang out with those ungodly “friends” from school or work, or purchase that “sexy” outfit, consider how by so doing you are allying yourself against the Almighty! It is neither smart nor safe to provoke a jealous God! “Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously’”? (James 4:5). Well, do you think the Scripture says it in vain? Or not?
Sermon: This day is a day of good news
The narrative of 2 Kings 7, where the lepers’ felt need to share the good news of God’s victory over Syria is used to express our obligation to share the gospel with the world.
Sermon: Prove yourself a man
David’s charge to his son Solomon is examined in 1 Kings 2 as a means of encouraging manliness. Prove yourself a man:
* Take heed to your counselors
* Take heed to your goals
* Take heed to your relationships
* Take heed to your character
Invitation: Our Response to the Love of Christ
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul states that we have been saved by grace. Isaiah 53 expressed what Christ suffered for us.
The love that we have for Christ should bring us to show our love by obedience to Him.
Sermon: little gods
Idolatry still exists today. There are little gods people put (metaphorically) in their pocket. Gods like money, human wisdom, tradition, pleasure and self.
Sermon: The Mystery Revealed
An exegetical examination of Ephesians 3, emphasizing the power and worth of the gospel of Christ.
