Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: Self-Sacrifice
A discussion of 1 Corinthians 9, where Paul notes his right to wages, but his unwillingness to exercise that right, as an example of self-denial, fully discussed in chapters 8-10.
Sermon: Lessons from 1 Thessalonians
In this lesson, speaker Tommy Davis surveys 1 Thessalonians, pointing out and commenting on some of the lessons Paul taught to this faithful and dedicate group.
Sermon: Emotion VS Emotionalism
There is a difference between having an emotion connection with the Lord due to your faith and relationship with Him, and being subjective in your assessment of your obedience, which is prevalent, and an example of Emotionalism.
Breakfast with Jesus
Continuing our discussion of Jesus’ words in John’s Gospel. We look at the 3rd occasion the Lord’s appeared to His disciples following His resurrection, and the evidences that prove He is our Messiah.
Jesus Christ – Done, Doing, Will Do
The lesson examines the ascension of Jesus, His present reign upon His throne, and His promise of a future return. All to benefit you and me!
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“I Am Going Fishing”
Why in John 21 did Peter say, “I am going fishing”? We don’t know for sure, but we do know he was grieved for betraying Jesus on the night of his death. And, we know when he helped to establish the kingdom he remained faithful unto death.
Sermon: Truly God is Good
Psalm 73 is used by guest speaker Jeremiah Cox to show that through our darkness and doubt, God offers us faith and hope, and shows His goodness toward us.
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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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Rebuke
A study of the word rebuke, as it is translated in the NKJV of the Bible, is interesting and beneficial, especially as it relates to the New Testament. There are three words in the Greek language that are translated rebuke in the New Testament, each with different shades of meanings. They are: epitima?, elegch?, and epipl?ss?. A look at each of the three in turn are rather enlightening.
Let’s start out with epitima?. It is defined by Thayer, “to tax with fault, rate, chide, rebuke, reprove, censure severely…to admonish or charge severely… to charge one with wrong.” Continue reading “Rebuke”
The Proper Concept of Liberty
The proper concept of liberty is one that both our society and religious culture of today needs to consider. It is supplied by Paul in his letter to the Galatians.
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
Liberty is a wonderful thing. Biblically, it indicates liberty from the bondage of sin. When we become Christians, God’s grace (given through the death of His Son) grants us full forgiveness, and salvation. The position sin held previously in our lives, as domineering master, is removed. We are born again, free in Christ, given hope, accepted of God. In our society liberty indicates freedom from tyranny — that the government exists as a servant to, and to benefit the people, rather than people being slaves to civil authorities. Continue reading “The Proper Concept of Liberty”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
The message of the cross, the gospel of Christ, is the means by which God saves man, cf. Romans 1:15-16. Here it is contrasted with the wisdom of the world. The world has always allayed against God and His will. Nevertheless, God chose to save those He could through the preaching of the gospel message. Faith in Christ is the means to salvation. Without believing the testimony of scripture, a man is doomed to salvation. “…it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (21).
It is interesting to note that even God’s foolishness is incomparable to the wisdom of man. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (25).
Unfortunately, to most, the preaching of the gospel appears as foolishness, or a stumbling block. There are few who are interested in God and His word. They are arrogant in their so-called wisdom, and instead of believing and obeying, they refuse.
Truly, the way is difficult and the gate is narrow! (cf. Matthew 7:13).
We Are Stewards!
Do you ever think of yourself as a steward of Jesus Christ? Paul writes that we are! “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
The Greek word translated steward in the text is oikonomos, and is defined as “the manager of a household or of household affairs; especially a steward, manager, superintendent” (Thayer). It is used figuratively here to indicate a servant, but one who is given authority to accomplish important tasks. In other words, stewardship indicates service to Christ where we accomplish what he has given us to do.
Wayne Fancher said in a recent sermon that even the one talent man was given a lot of responsibility. One talent is a lot of money. When we think of servitude, we tend to think of someone as low as possible on the social ladder. Not so with a steward. He was certainly bound, but with responsibility, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful”
So think of study, prayer, meditation, the practice of pure religion (cf. James 1:27), attendance, evangelism, love, etc. as duties given my God. Responsibilities for which you will be held accountable.
A sobering thought, isn’t it?
Sermon: Spirit and Truth
Justin Carrell discusses Jesus’ meaning in answering the Samaritan woman’s question regarding the proper place to worship God, recorded in John 4.
Sermon: Building on God’s Foundation (1 Corinthians 3)
A discussion of the meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:1-15, from the carnality of elevating mere men, to the types of materials (gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw) used to build God’s building.
Current Culture and the Christian
There is great interest about how Christians should react to, and interact with our present culture. A few observations will help to introduces our subject. First, faith in Jesus Christ has always, is now, and will ever run counter to the cultural views of the world. That is why the Bible speaks of God’s people in exclusionary terms. For example, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:13-16). The Hebrew writer’s designation of these heroes of faith as “strangers and pilgrims” is intended to be an exhortation to Christians to have the same relationship to the world. We are not to fit in. Our views, convictions and standards should not align to the world. Continue reading “Current Culture and the Christian”
