Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Lying for Advantage
“Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel” (Proverbs 20:17).
Listening to the radio a few days ago, the hosts were asking each other, “What was the last lie you told?” Most of the answers were what they referred to as little white lies. For example, one man had gotten an email, and not responded. When his co-worker asked him about it, he lied and said he hadn’t got it. So, the other man backtracked, found the original email and resent it. Even though the man actually had gotten the email.
All of the confessed lies had a similar motivation. They were told to gain an advantage. To cover up a transgression, to put oneself in a more favorable light, or to shift fault. This is the primary allure of deception, and why “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man.”
In the example above, I thought to myself that the man had better hope his employer, co-worker (or his friends) were not listening to the show! If the lie were to be found out, there would be consequences. Anger, loss of trust and reputation, and possibly repercussions from the employer. “But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.”
Don’t lie! The advantage gained may be “sweet” for the moment, but the [eternal] cost is too steep!
Click below to…
Sermon: Faith Demonstrated in Esther’s Life
Sermon by Brantley Gallman.
The lesson is an examination of the first half of the book of Esther with applications regarding faith as illustrated by her.
Sermon: A Blind Man Healed
Sermon by Armando Vera.
The lesson examines John 9, and applications that can be learned from the healing of the blind man by Jesus.
Sermon: Man, Prophet, Savior
A textual study of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman, with an emphasis on her changing view of him as their conversation progressed. First as a man, then a prophet, and finally the Savior of the world.
Sermon: Shadow and Substance
An examination of the Type/Antitype relationship that appears throughout the Bible, especially those types that prefigure the Messiah.
Partisanship and Morality
President Trump is a lightning rod for controversy. His pugnacious personality, outsider status and vulgarity is shocking to the sensibilities of both media and political opponents.
The criticisms of the President are well deserved on his part, as he is not a pleasant person. What is obvious to the unbiased, however, is that partisanship plays a large role in the criticism.
It is striking how often there is a willingness to overlook the failings of one’s own champion, while excoriating any perceived imperfection in the opponent’s man or woman.
Sojourners and Pilgrims
The apostle Peter made an impassioned petition to the Christians to whom he wrote in 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” What are these fleshly lusts?
First, the terms defined. 1) “fleshly” (sarkikos) under the control of the animal appetites; 2) “lusts” (epithumia) craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden. (Thayer). So, in our context, fleshly lusts are those desires that come from the basest parts of man — desires that are forbidden by God.
The Bible explicitly names many of these. A partial list includes: premarital and extramarital sex, including homosexuality; covetousness; murder; strife; deceit; violence; pride; gossip; anger; willfulness; rebellion; envy; idolatry; lewdness; hatred; jealousy; drunkenness; partying (revelries); extortion; stealing (cf. Romans 1:28-32; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
When we become Christians, we become new creatures. This world is no longer our home, and our lives should mirror that reality. When we live righteous lives, we will be thought strange by those who act on those fleshly lusts. No matter, for our desire is for our Lord. We are pilgrims in a strange land — heaven is our home!
Click below to…
Sermon: Mary and Martha
The lesson is an examination of Luke 10:38-42, and a comparison of the two sisters who Jesus loved.
Sermon: The Christian and Recreational Drug Use
A discussion of the Christian’s responsibility toward the use of recreational drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and caffeine. Topics discussed: Legality, Addiction, Intoxication, Companionship, and Influence.
Sermon: The Relationship Between God and Man
Our God is Sovereign and Holy. He requires holiness of us. When we do good, He blesses us. When we choose to do evil, God’s righteous nature requires punishment. But, it is His desire the men be saved, not lost.
Sermon: A Father’s Touch
The lesson shows the importance of the father in the family relationship, as a friend, teacher, protector and leader of his family.
“He Gave Ear to Me”
“I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me” (Psalm 77:1).
The Psalmist’s trouble is one we feel from time to time. He states that “in the day of my trouble I sought the Lord” but that “My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (2-3).
We too can be so troubled that it seems to us God has forgotten us! “Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious?” (7-9).
But, if we consider carefully, we will remember the continued faithfulness of God. “Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders…” (13-14).
When we consider that God is able to help us, and that He is willing to give ear to our petitions, we can ultimately trust in His compassion, strength and redemptive work in our lives. As the Psalmist wrote, “You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph” (15); we too can proclaim that our God loves us, and has redeemed all men through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Truly, God gives ear to those who are His!
Click below to…
Sermon: Jesus – Prince, Captain, Author (archegos)
Sermon by Jeremiah Cox (Visiting preacher)
An examination of the greek term (archegos) as it is used to refer to Jesus. Wonderful lessons are learned by the designations given to our Lord.
