Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
The Morning Star Rises in Your Hearts
In Peter’s second letter, knowing his time on earth was short, he sought to “stir up by reminding” his readers of the Lord, and His revelation. He wrote, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” (1:12-15). What Peter wanted to share again was not a fable or story. Peter and others were eyewitnesses to the “majesty” of Jesus and His redemptive work. He was one who actually heard the words of God on the mount of transfiguration saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (1:16-18).
These events Peter witnessed were revealed by the prophets, and he appealed to his readers to heed those prophecies “as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19). This is such a beautiful phrase to describe the illuminating nature of God’s revelation. Just as the dawn signifies light chasing away the darkness, God’s word brings light into the dark recesses of man’s mind. Doubts are dissipated, lessons become visible, and our perspective is changed completely. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).
The “morning star” or “day star” refers to the planet Venus. When the Greeks witnessed the planet shining just before dawn, they referred to it as phosporous, the bearer of light. In this way, the Lord Jesus and His will bring light into the world of darkness. They illuminate with a message Peter knew to be of eternal importance. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).
Sermon: Light not Darkness
A discussion of Ephesians 4:17-24 showing the necessity of walking in the light as Christians, and refusing the sinfulness of the darkness.
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Sermon: The World Hates You
Sermon 42 in series.
In John 15:18-25, the Lord warned His disciples to expect the world to hate them, because the world hated Him first. All Christians should expect animosity from the ungodly, and be prepared for it.
Marginalized
Our nation was founded upon what has been referred to as a Judeo-Christian ethic. This means the laws governing right and wrong that are a part of our nation have their origin in the moral standards of right and wrong found in the Bible. It doesn’t mean the founding fathers got it right, or even that they did a good job of applying the principles. In fact, the foundational principle upon which our government was established, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”, was practically contradicted by the institution of slavery until January 1, 1863. But at the very least the United States has been respectful toward Christians. Continue reading “Marginalized”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:14-17
As Paul condemned the Corinthians for their divisive attitudes, which he equated to carnality in chapter 3, he expressed his thankfulness for not having personally baptized any of them. Some take this as an indication of the relative unimportance of baptism itself, as Paul did the preaching, and left the baptism to others. This is absurd. What is unimportant is who does the baptism. (As Paul noted in 3:7, “So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase”). Paul simply did not want to be viewed as a proselytizer because of their contentiousness.
Paul’s purpose was to preach. To bring the believer to the point of baptism (Mark 16:15-16) so that they might be raised up to a new life (Romans 6:4). He accomplished this as a mere steward of the message, not through his own wisdom. So, it would improper for anyone to put the emphasis on him rather than the message he preached.
The power is in the cross of Christ. Therefore, all who come to faith should identify themselves solely as being “of Christ.”
Religious Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism, as it pertains to religion, is defined as “a form of religion, especially Islam or Protestant Christianity, that upholds belief in the strict interpretation of scripture.” In our day, the term is typically used as a criticism. Note this quote from Wikipedia: “Depending upon the context, the label “fundamentalism” can be a pejorative rather than a neutral characterization, similar to the ways that calling political perspectives “right-wing” or “left-wing” can have negative connotations.
Such a characterization is understandable, as Islamic fundamentalists often use force in an effort to make the world conform to their religious views. As an example, the Iranian government has recently come under criticism for its response to women who do not conform to the fundamentalist views of modesty. A “morality police” actively cited and arrested women for their violation of the code, and at least 508 protestors have been killed and another 19,000 arrested in recent conflicts over the laws. Continue reading “Religious Fundamentalism”
“We do not lose heart”
The apostle Paul was thankful for God’s mercy shown to him. It is because of that mercy that God both brought him to salvation, and enabled him in the work of an apostle. He said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:1, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”
Looking at the text, there are a couple of things to note. First, the idea of mercy indicates a compassion toward another that leads one to show pity, and help. This, God did in sending His Son to save us. Paul did not deserve salvation, and neither do we. But, God showed pity and sent His Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Second is Paul’s reaction to this mercy. Because it was received, and he was chosen to serve as an apostle, “we do not lose heart.” There are several translations of “we do not lose heart” that are found. For example: “we faint not” (KJV); “we never give up” (NLT); “we do not become discouraged” (NET). The term can refer to a weariness that leads one to fail to do what is righteous. It is also possible that such weariness leads one to succumb to temptation, and do evil.
Regardless, what Paul did was what our response to God’s mercy should be. Knowing what God has done for us, and the love He has shown, “we do not lose heart”!
Sermon: Shrewd Sons of Light
We are to be selfless, and interested in others. But, interestingly, to act as Christians, fully devoted to God and your fellow man is a shrewd (prudent) thing to do. In effect, you are acting in your own self-interest!
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Struck Down but Not Destroyed
Various texts in the New Testament are examined to contrast the difficulties and limitations of this life as compared to our state and hope in eternity.
The Gospel Plan of Salvation
Speaker: David Hightower
Beware!
Have you ever seen a sign with the word BEWARE in big black letters? A quick google image search came up with the following signs. “Beware of Dog” (most prevalent), “Beware of Bear”, “Beware of Floods”, “Beware of Trains”, “Beware of Step, Beware of Falling Objects, Beware of Pickpockets.” I think my favorite one sums up the fears that come from the word, “Beware of — Well… just Beware.”
The word beware is found in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word š?mar is translated beware on nine occasions in the NKJV. It is a word with a broad meaning, but in those occasions it is translated beware, the idea is to be on guard, to observe, to watch for. In the New Testament the word beware comes from the Greek words prosech? (to pay attention to, to be cautious about); blep? (to look at, perceive, take heed); hora? (to stare at, to discern clearly); and phylass? (be on guard, avoid, observe). Though each Greek word has a different shade of meaning, they all make the same point when the context caused translators to translate them with the English “beware.” Continue reading “Beware!”
Jethro Was A Smart Man
If you were to read the title, and not realize this was an article dealing with a Bible subject, you might think that Jethro had reference to the Jethro of the Beverly Hillbillies. That guy was not smart at all.
But, the Jethro that was Moses’ father-in-law was a smart man. He was a priest of Midian and well respected by Moses. While there is no revelation given as to whether Jethro ever fully rejected idolatry, he certainly came to realize the preeminence of the God of the Hebrews. He was a just man, kind and generous to his son-in-law. Continue reading “Jethro Was A Smart Man”
Mining the Scriptures: Romans 1:18-20
Our text begins a significant section of Paul’s letter, establishing the evidence of God’s existence, and end of those who deny it. This denial can take place in atheistic views, or the distortion of God’s nature, changing, “the glory of the incorruptible God into an image make like corruptible man” (23), i.e. idolatry.
Idolatry is the specific problem in Romans 1. The people to whom Paul refers have by their idolatrous inclinations suppressed “the truth in unrighteousness” (18). Consider that we may know certain things about God simply by what is evident in nature (cf. Psalm 19:1-4). As the Psalmist said concerning the testimony of nature, “There is no language where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:3).
Because God’s eternal power and Godhead are clearly seen, those who are unwilling to acknowledge them become ungodly and unrighteous in their behavior. The Gentiles of the day are a very good example of this. God’s righteousness required He visit such rebellion and immorality with His wrath. (cf. 1:32).
Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!
One of the easiest ways to improve your spiritual health in the New Year is to begin a daily Bible reading. Remember, this is different from Bible study, but reading your Bible daily is very important and beneficial to you.
It is easy because all you need is a Bible and a book mark. At its base, just start reading each day, and read for as long as you have time for, as long as you are retaining what you read. If your mind begins to wander, it is time to put your Bible down for a while, and pick it up later.
If, however, you want some structure or some goal to attain here are a couple of suggestions you may want to try…
- Divide the total number of pages in your New Testament by 30, and read that many pages per day. This is a fairly large commitment, but it is a wonderful accomplishment to read the New Testament through in a month. If you do that every month for a year, it will do wonders for your familiarity with the New Covenant.
- Read the Bible through in a year, using a different translation than the one you presently use. Might I suggestion the ESV, NASB, or one of the trusted oldies, like the KJV, ASV or RSV?
- Use a Bible reading schedule that breaks up the readings in the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty you can choose from, just a google search away. Or, if you wish, take the schedule in the back that has been printed out for your convenience!
Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!
Sermon: Have a Good Day on the Last Day
On the last day, the universe will come to an end, and all will be resurrected to stand in judgment. For you, the day can be a good one, or one filled with sorrow. Which do you choose?
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