Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Mining the Scripture: Revelation 1:9-11
It is believed that all of the apostles other than John were martyred for Christ. They were given a great responsibility in the early church, and great authority, delegated to them by the Lord. But this made them obvious targets of persecution. While John kept his life, he was exiled to the small island of Patmos “for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (1:9), off the western coast of Asia Minor. This is where he wrote the book of Revelation, which is dated either prior to the destruction of Jerusalem (69 AD) or late in the first century during the reign of Domitian (96 AD). If the latter date is accepted, this makes John a very old man at the time of writing.
The book, as indicated by the text, is a record of visions he received while “in the Spirit.” The “Lord’s Day” in the text probably refers to the first day of the week, when Christian worship is offered (cf. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2).
He was instructed by the Lord (described in verses 12-20), to write and share with the Asian churches the things he saw and heard.
Spiritual Gifts and Their Purpose for Christians
The apostle Paul gave some important directions to the Corinthians regarding the distribution and use of spiritual gifts in the first century church. He began in 1 Corinthians 12 by writing, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” In addition, he made the point that there are “different ministries (5), and that there are “diversities of activities”, but, “it is the same God who works all in all” (6).
So, what is the purpose of noting this? If God gives diverse gifts, they are all of value to Him. We should not depreciate them. That is true as well of any ministry or activity that we are privileged to participate in. “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each for the profit of all” (7). Continue reading “Spiritual Gifts and Their Purpose for Christians”
Sermon: A Practical Discussion of Modesty
A lesson contrasting societal views of what is modest with what God has to say in His word.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: Conversations of the Resurrected Lord
A discussion of the first conversations Jesus’ held after his resurrection, with Mary Magdalene, and then His disciples.
What Grace Teaches Us!
The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, explaining that God’s grace has something to teach us. Let us read the text, and then make some points:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
First, we need to understand how grace teaches. It is simple, the gift of grace is great. It is great in its benefits. God’s gift of His Son as our Redeemer affords us a hope of eternal life! It is great in its sacrifice. God’s giving of His Son was a great sacrifice in that Jesus was the only begotten of the Father, and God loved His Son. It is great in what it reveals to us about God. He loves us! He gave us everything we need to deal with our sin. He wants every living soul to go to heaven, and so has gifted us with grace, so that we can obtain what we ourselves could not possibly receive on our own merit. So, the gift of grace impresses the thoughtful because of its significance, sacrifice and its absolute necessity for our redemption. Continue reading “What Grace Teaches Us!”
Paul Acted Just Like A Father
You know how it is, the child always wanting something, asking to do something, asking to go somewhere with someone, and the father saying no. It frustrates both the child and the parent, but when done for the right reasons, it is very helpful. The child may not know why a request may be unreasonable, dangerous or unwise, but often the father does. Because he loves his child, he wants to protect his child, saving him from unwise choices and negative consequences. This is how the apostle Paul felt toward the Corinthians. Paul rebuked them sharply in his first recorded letter, but his motivation was love. Continue reading “Paul Acted Just Like A Father”
Already Full
Paul has an interesting thing to write about the Christian’s blessings, both because of Christ Himself, and the diligent ministry of His servants. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:
“You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” (8-10).
We are so blessed because of our relationship with Christ. All spiritual blessings emanate from Him! So, the hope of heaven and eternal bliss, as well as our opportunity to worship, communicate with Him and learn His will, all enrich us, strengthen us, and help us to find value and purpose in our lives.
Too, we rejoice that others, His servants, are willing to sacrifice so much for our welfare. This is love. This is what Paul and the other apostles were always willing to do. They were willing to die, be made a spectacle, called a fool, and be weak and dishonored, if only their brethren benefited. May others follow their example. As Paul wrote, he wished that the Corinthians would reign, “that we might reign with you!” (8). We all benefit!
A Zealous People
An important lesson and admonition discussing the requirement of God for us to show true zeal in our Christian life, and stating especially the response of God if we as a congregation are apathetic in our service.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
The Pain of Admonition
Paul the apostle experienced great pain when it was necessary to admonish, as we all should. And yet, he always did what was right for his brethren, no matter the personal discomfort that came to him individually.
Sermon: Some Identifying Marks of the Lord’s Church
Correct concepts of the makeup, authority and purpose of the Lord’s church, contrasted with erroneous views that a prevalent in our society today.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
<<———><><———>>
Sermon: Love in Marriage
Josh Cox preaches an important lesson describing and defining the imperative of love in the marriage relationship.
Psychology and the Bible
Early on during my stint in a state college, I briefly considered majoring in Psychology. I took two courses before changing my mind. The first was introductory. It explained various views (that were very contradictory to scripture) but was enjoyable. The second was a course in Adolescent Psychology, taught by a very arrogant (and idiotic) professor. The man had a very superior air, and dogmatic views on child raising, and used his young son to make his points. Trouble is, in his own description, his young son was completely out of control, to a great extent because of how he was raised! My view of the matter was held by many of the students. By the end of the class I switched my major to control engineering, though that did not last long either.
In my years as a preacher, I have found that there is good that Psychology and Psychiatry can do. While the two are “soft sciences”, they are needed and have helped some who have chemical imbalances, phobias or other abnormal mental issues. Most of the time I can help individuals who suffer guilt from sin, or who demonstrate a definite need for comfort or encouragement from God’s word. But, there have been times when I have had to acknowledge that mental conditions might require skills and help that I as a preacher am not qualified to offer. Continue reading “Psychology and the Bible”
Mining the Scriptures: Jude 20-23
Though Jude’s primary purpose was to warn about false teacher’s, he also writes several words of instruction to his readers. In fact, verses 20-23 contain such, beginning with the phrase “But you…” As such these have application in our lives as well.
Build your faith (through an examination and cultivation of God’s word. We are to constantly be improving in our Christian walk). Pray in the Holy Spirit (this most probably indicates that we are to pray in accord with God’s will, that which the Holy Spirit has shared through His inspiration of the word). Keep yourselves in the love of God (this is our responsibility, to keep ourselves in God’s love. Obedience is how we show our devotion and love for Him). Look for Christ’s mercy (as Cornelius and other seeker’s of truth have done).
Finally, verses 22-23 explain how we are to deal with the sins of others. This depends upon the circumstances of the sin and sinner, how fully they are taken in the sin, and what is best to save them. Some need longsuffering and compassion, while others need a more direct and hasty treatment, “pulling them out of the fire” (23).
What Rachel’s Passing Teaches Us About Death
Genesis 35 reveals the death of Rachel, one of Israel’s wives. She gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin, and through her maidservant Bilhah, also supplied to her husband Dan and Naphtali. Leah and her maidservant Zilpah were responsible for the other eight sons of this ancestor of the nation of Israel. “Also God said to him [Israel]: ‘I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land’” (Genesis 35:11-12). In verses 17-18 of the text, we read of Benjamin’s birth: “Now it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, ‘Do not fear; you will have this son also.’ And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin” (Genesis 35:17-18). So, Rachel died in childbirth, giving Israel his last son. An interesting aspect of this passage is the simple way her death was described, “And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died).” Continue reading “What Rachel’s Passing Teaches Us About Death”
What Is Important? The Message!
Paul, as an apostle of Jesus Christ, though he was “one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8), said in 2 Corinthians 11:5, “I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.”
His apostleship was given directly by Jesus Himself (cf. Acts 9:15-16), and both his own epistles and Luke’s record of his ministry (Acts) attest to the truth of this. But the next words written, in 2 Corinthians 11:6, give a very good reason for Paul’s success, “Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge.”
There is great reward, both for the teacher and the student, when knowledge is shared. It doesn’t matter if the speech or ability is limited. Paul is proof of this, and expressed it wonderfully through his pen.
Some disagree. Some said about Paul, “For his letters, they say, ‘are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.’” (2 Corinthians 10:10). What an inept and inappropriate criticism. What Paul was preaching was the gospel of Christ, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). The proof is evident.
If you have little talent, but you have studied and know God’s word, share it! Let the power of God come, not by eloquence, but from the scriptures themselves. It is there from whence true power comes!
