Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
The Day of the Lord
The phrase, “the day of the Lord” is one that is used to indicate a coming judgment from God. Isaiah used it to refer to God’s impending judgment of Babylon (Isaiah 13). Jeremiah (46:10), Ezekiel (30:3) and Obadiah (15) all use the phrase in a similar fashion.
Such judgment was not reserved for the enemies of Israel. Numerous prophets used this same phrase in reference to God’s judgment of His own people. Consider these words from the prophet Joel, “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty” (Joel 1:15). Interestingly, there is the promise of deliverance that is given to the faithful even in that day (cf. Joel 2:32).
In 2 Peter 3:10, the phrase is used to designate a final judgment of God. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” In that day, there is the promise of deliverance! “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (vs. 13).
Turn to God and serve Him. Then give praise to Him as you bask in the promise of His glory!
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Sermon: The Woman About to be Stoned
This lesson discusses an example of Jesus’ masterful dealing’s with man. We see His ability to deftly handle the efforts of His enemies to destroy His reputation, to convict the hearts of men, and His great compassion and love for the souls of men.
Sermon: What Will You Do in the New Year?
A lesson on committment and zeal as a new year begins. The thoughts were inspired by a free form poem written by a young Christian girl named Kelsey Harris. She passed away after battling a malignant brain tumor at the age of 16 in 2009.
Sermon: Sharing the Gospel
All disciples are expected to share the gospel of our Lord with others. When it is done, it stirs things up. But, that is exactly what the gospel is supposed to do!
Sermon: He Became Poor – We Became Rich
Paul reveals our blessings in Christ in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 8:9 supplies the premise for this study.
In Days of Old
God is powerful, sovereign, and has imposed His will on men in ages past. This was especially true with Israel, who inhabited the land of Canaan only because of God’s intervention. “For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them” (Psalm 44:3).
But, how did the Psalmist know of this great victory? “We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, the deeds You did in their days, in days of old” (Psalm 44:1).
Today, we are blessed to have such deeds preserved in the Bible itself. The annals of God’s demonstration of might, justice and mercy to His people. These things strengthen and establish our faith.
“In God we boast all day long and praise Your name forever” (Psalm 44:8)
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Investing, Divesting & Usurping
Numbers 20 records a rather significant event in the early history of the nation of Israel. Aaron and his sons were appointed by God to be priests of the people at the establishment of the nation. “Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest” (Exodus 28:1-3). Continue reading “Investing, Divesting & Usurping”
Sermon: The Samaritan Woman at the Well
Lessons learned from the conversation Jesus had with the Samaritan woman in John 4 include the reality of a new relationship between Jew and Gentile, a new covenant between God and man, a new worship, and a new hope (living water).
Sermon: The Glory of God
God’s glory compels His children to live by faith, to be holy in conduct, and to offer continual praise to His name. If we do so, we are promised we will share in His glory!
Be Still, and Know that I Am God
The 46th Psalm does a wonderful job of expressing the powerful protection God affords His people. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (1-3).
Our protection is sure. It is sure because of God’s infinite power. It is sure because of His constant presence and awareness. It is sure because of His great wisdom and knowledge. It is sure because He loves those who are His. Truly “the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (11).
In our knowledge that God is our refuge there is strength, peace and hope. There is also a reason for us to offer Him our praise and thanksgiving! “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (10).
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Sermon: The Events of Judgment Day
This lesson describes all the things that will happen on the Day that Jesus returns to judge the world.
Sermon: God Breathed
Most are ignorant of God’s word, and its great importance. The concept of inspiration demands a knowledge of, and respect for God’s law.
To Die is Gain
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Imagine being able to say this, all while in chains, not knowing whether you will be released, or executed. Paul is a wonderful example of faith in the midst of extreme hardship.
We Christians who live in America have so many reasons to be faithful. Despite a society that is presently antagonistic toward our faith, we remain free to worship openly and comfortably. This has not been the case in other times and other places.
Regardless, this world is not our home! While we remain thankful for our time here on earth, we eagerly anticipate the day when “this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53).
Our lives are opportunities to live for Christ. Through our teaching and example, other souls may be saved. But, we gain personally from death, if we be faithful. There comes a time of glory and rest in the presence of the God of Heaven! To die truly is to Gain!
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What Does it Mean to Submit?
The call to be submissive is made constantly in scripture. In 1 Peter 5:5, the apostle wrote, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'”
The term submit is defined by Thayer: to subject one’s self, obey; to submit to one’s control; to yield to one’s admonition or advice; to obey, be subject.
This term teaches us two things: First, authority exists. Second, you are not that authority! The idea that men are free to do what they wish, without consequence, is flawed. Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
As Peter indicated earlier in our text, even those who have been delegated positions of oversight must realize their position as servants. “nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (3).
Ultimately, submission becomes natural when humility is present. Humility in turn comes from a sense of selflessness. It is not about you, it is about others. Paul used Jesus as the ultimate example of such selflessness, and admonished the Philippians, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Be definition, any departure from the Biblical pattern, any presumption that God is accepts our innovations, denies this concept of submission. It is not our place to make the rules. It is our place to humbly obey (submit to) the rules that have been established by our Lord.
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