Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
In God I Have Put My Trust
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?
(Psalm 56:3-4)
Fear is an understandable and common emotion. Men fear the unknown, the strange, the violent, the painful. We do not here refer to phobias, which are unreasonable fears that have no basis in reality. There is much in life that would instill a natural and appropriate fear response in men.
However, the Christian has a perspective that can help him cope with fear. In fact, our relationship with God can allow us even to overcome fear in our lives.
There are numerous examples throughout history of Christians proclaiming with joy their faith in Christ even as they suffer martyrdom. The most horrendous tortures — boiling oil, fire, the sword — were unable to quell the joy and courage of God’s people.
With God on our side, eternal victory is secured. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).
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Sermon: Stilling the Storm
The 11th lesson in a series of the life of Jesus. This lesson examines the power that Jesus showed over nature, using the text of Luke 8:22-25, where Jesus stilled the storm.
Sermon: Rejoice!
The default state of the child of God should be joy! We have so many reasons to rejoice in the fact that we belong to Him.
Wisdom Cries Out!
“Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men’” (Proverbs 8:1-4).
The call of wisdom sounds forth in our time as well. This text does not mean that wisdom predominates, but that wisdom is desperately needed in our time. She calls out to bring peace, union and reconciliation where none presently exists. The question is, does anyone hear her?
“O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her” (Proverbs 8:5-11).
Wisdom cries out … are you listening?
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O Mighty God!
In preparation for this morning’s sermon, I came across some information about a favorite song of praise, How Great Thou Art.
The song is taken from a poem written by Swedish poet Carl Boberg in 1885, titled “O Store Gud”. The poem has a total of nine verses.
Sermon: The Conversion of the Corinthians
Lessons learned from the conversion of the Corinthians, as recorded by Luke in Acts 18.
Sermon: The Hedge of God
God chastises those He loves. This chastisement is described in Hosea 2 as a hedge of thorns. The lesson discusses the nature of and reason for God’s chastisement of His people.
Friendship and Wealth
“Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend” (Proverbs 19:4).
It is an unfortunate reality in life that wealth brings popularity. Not that someone might actually become wealthy, but that it can bring out inappropriate reactions from others. For example, the newly rich has a difficult time knowing who is a friend because of genuine affection, and who is a “friend” because they hope to benefit from the wealth, influence or opportunities of the friendship.
The same thing is true with the poor man, whether newly minted or habitually bereft. He has no money, no influence, no opportunity to help anyone who wants to graft onto his friendship. So, he has a hard time making friends.
Wealth has nothing to do either with character or success as defined by God. It does not make a man more spiritual, and it can actually bring challenges to faith. Remember the Lord’s words in Galatians 3:28, “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.” Add to it, “there is neither poor or rich”, and you get the idea.
So, as Christians, we should be “wealth blind.” Our relationships should be based entirely upon genuine affection, not upon a hope for personal gain. (Read James 2:1-9).
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“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
The book of Revelation, among all the New Testament books and letters, is unique in style. The use of imagery and apocalyptic symbols is arresting, serving as a perfect vehicle to establish its central theme, “the Lamb will overcome…for He is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).
The message of the book was relevant to those who first read it. John wrote the book in the midst of persecution, offering hope to the afflicted. It is unfortunate that interpretations of the book have appeared that do violence to the immediacy of the message. Any who believe that the book details physical battles and earthly conflicts yet to occur fail to understand its message and purpose.
Sermon: The Widow’s Offering
Jesus observed a poor widow putting a pittance in the treasury, and commended her for her devotion. There are lessons we can learn about sacrifice, generosity and devotion from her example.
