Category: Salvation
Subject: Salvation
Why Stop the Chariot?
I recently came across a sermon starter (skeleton outline) from a Facebook group, written by Mark Posey. When I come across such items and borrow the material, I always try to give credit, but also typically change the title to something else. I couldn’t do it this time as the title best expresses the concept to be examined in the article.
The reference is, of course, to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, covered in Acts 8:26-40. To summarize, an angel of the Lord sent Philip the evangelist to a road between Jerusalem and Gaza. There Philip met a eunuch of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians. He had come to Jerusalem to worship (indicating he was a proselyte), and was returning to Gaza in a chariot. He was reading from Isaiah 59, and Philip used the reading as a beginning point of their conversation. Continue reading “Why Stop the Chariot?”
Sons and Heirs
In Galatians 3:26 Paul wrote, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” The familial relationship we enjoy is not exactly the same as Jesus Himself. The Pharisees understood when Jesus called Himself the Son of God, that He was making Himself God’s equal (cf. John 5:18). The only reason He was not guilty of blasphemy is because the claim was true! Jesus is the “only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). The Apostle John wrote this with clarity and beauty when he recorded, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2). Continue reading “Sons and Heirs”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:10-12
Peter in previous verses had established the end of the faithful. An “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1:4).
This salvation was not fully revealed in times past. The prophets of old had questions about it as they spoke of the promise of it in words supplied by God. They did not fully comprehend the nature, or the time when redemption would come.
Now we have all revealed. We can look to the New Testament and read from it all that Jesus had to suffer to secure our redemption. We know of His resurrection, His ascension, and His reign in heaven at God’s right hand. We are so blessed with this knowledge, and that we live in the “last days.”
As our redemption is secured through our belief and obedience to the good news of Christ, we have reason to rejoice. We have had revealed to us things that even angels could not fully comprehend before Jesus came. We know, we can read. We are blessed by God!
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
An important discussion of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians is summarized in Ephesians 2:8-9. This passage is familiar to all:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
So often Christians have to discuss what the text is not saying, so as to protect against the doctrine of “Salvation by Faith Only.” This is laudable, and not to be criticized. But, it is good to simply express the truths that are established by this passage. Continue reading “Salvation by Grace Through Faith”
Spring Meeting 2023
A gospel meeting held May 6-11, 2023 with brother Jimmy Stevens from Seminole, TX. The following Lessons were taught. Available is the audio, PPTX files, and the Video of Each Lesson
God’s Promise to Satan (May 6, 2023)
Growing Weary (May 7, 2023)
Created for a Purpose (May 7, 2023)
The Power of True Faith (May 7, 2023)
Will Only Those Who are Baptized be Saved? (May 8, 2023)
What Did They Know Before Baptism? (May 9, 2023)
Moral Living in an Immoral World (May 10, 2023)
The Scriptures Don’t Lie (May 11, 2023)
Mining the Scriptures: Hebrews 2:10-13
This Jesus, who was crowned with glory following his death (9) is a fitting sacrifice, and a fitting high priest for mankind. The word “fitting” indicates that which is proper or as it should be. In fact, the etymology “to be conspicuous” properly gives the essence, Jesus was the obvious choice to be the “captain of our salvation” (10).
This is shown in His suffering. Remember, the Jews at this time for the most part rejected the idea of a suffering Savior. As Paul wrote, the preaching of the gospel was a “stumbling block to Jews” (1 Corinthians 2:2). They were looking for a triumphant rebellion bringing a restoration of David’s physical throne. What they got was a man who was executed as a criminal.
But, the Hebrew writer says that Jesus was “of one” with those who accepted His redemptive act. “For both He who sanctified and those who are being sanctified are all of one” (11).
Jesus is our elder Brother, and we are so thankful that “He is not ashamed to call [us] brethren” (11).
Freedom in Christ
Freedom in Christ is freedom from the bondage of sin, and all that goes along with it. When we are redeemed by Christ’s blood, our burden becomes light, and our destiny is immortality in the presence of the Almighty.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: 5 Explanations of Mark 16:16
Our lesson examines the text of Mark 16:16, giving four failed interpretations of the text, based on incorrect presumptions, contrasted with the actual words and meaning of Jesus.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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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
Sermon: Paul’s Discourse on Grace
Stan discusses the text of Ephesians 2. Using the context of the passage, he explains the concept of salvation by grace through faith.
Sermon: God is Calling
The Bible clearly establishes that God does not compel us to serve Him. Rather He calls us to Him through His gospel, and those who respond to Him are granted salvation.
