Category: Study

I read an opinion piece recently that sought to explain Donald Trump’s popularity with Evangelicals. It seems peculiar since his lifestyle and morals are so alien to Bible teaching. The article posited that many identify as Evangelicals even though they seldom go to church, and have little familiarity with what the Bible actually teaches. In other words those who self-identify as evangelical consider it more a political identity than a religious one. Perhaps this is true.

Why is it that there are so few who claim to be disciples of Christ that are familiar with, or even interested in studying the Bible? Scripture teaches the importance of knowing God’s will, and that such knowledge is attained solely through the study of His word. Peter wrote, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as new born babes, desire the pure mild of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:1-3). This is what being a disciple is all about. A disciple is one who learns and adopts the ethics of his teacher.

You can’t successfully claim to be a disciple of Christ unless you know and submit to His will!

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God imposed upon Israel a peculiar famine in His judgment against them. They would not have access to “hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11). Today, some voluntarily refrain from the nourishment God’s word supplies.

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The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 11:2-3:

“The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.”

God’s works are indeed great, honorable, glorious and enduring. This is seen in His creation (cf. Genesis 1; Ecclesiastes 1:4-7), and especially in His redemptive work. He determined to redeem men before His creative work was even begun (cf. Ephesians 1:3-6). Later in his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul indicated that God’s eternal purpose to redeem men was accomplished in the sending of His son. “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him” (3:11-12).

The question is, do you have pleasure in God’s work? The Psalmist notes that if you do, you will study them! As always, our true view of things is found in our priorities. Too often claims of devotion and interest are made, when the actions reveal apathy and disinterest.

The Psalmist wrote, “The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name” (11:7-9)

It is worth our time and effort to examine His works. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments” (111:10).

The lesson takes its premise from Psalm 16:8. We are helped in setting the Lord before us by:

* Meditation
* Study
* Prayer

In so doing we receive “fullness of joy” and “pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

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Powerpoint Slides

How would your life differ, if you:

* Could no longer read your Bible?
* Could no longer sing in worship?
* Could no longer pray?
* Could no longer assemble for worship?
* Could no longer tell others about Christ?

Hopefully, our lives would be much different. If not, changes are in order!

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Powerpoint Slides

It is typical of the young to have their own lingo. It is a way of differentiating themselves from older generations. In the 1920’s if a teenager managed a ride in a breezer (convertible), then everything was copacetic (wonderful). In the 1930’s a Joe (average guy) was ecstatic with a sawbuck ($10 bill) in his pocket. In the 1940’s khaki wacky (boy crazy) girls sometimes flipped their wigs (lost control of themselves) when a cute boy walked by. In the 1950’s an ankle biter (child) might go ape (get excited) over a piece of candy. In the 1960’s it wasn’t hip (acceptable) to hang out (spend time with) the old man (your father). In the 1970’s it was a bummer (depressing) if someone was bogarting (being selfish with) the TV. In the 1980’s an enjoyable time was totally (completely) gnarly (very good). In the 1990’s, however, the same enjoyable time was all that and a bag of chips. In the 2000’s, one person might be going postal (becoming uncontrollably angry), while another person might just be whatever (indifferent). (Thanks to the internet for the above examples, though I have to admit that I have used the term copacetic myself from time to time!)

Continue reading “Devotions, Devotionals, Devos” →

Sermon by Josh Cox.

In this lesson, Josh indicates the responsibility we have to be receptive to the word of God. Also discussed are certain suggestions on readying ourselves, and concerns that arise regarding inappropriate attitudes and practices concerning God’s word.

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Speaker: Dennis Craig

Certain responsibilites and privileges follow one who becomes a Christian. The sermon discusses these things that follow becoming a child of God:

• Rejoice for Salvation
• Be Holy
• Study God’s Word
• Pray to God
• Assemble with the Saints
• Pepare for the Future

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

It is important to have faith that is based upon the word of God. You must have your own conviction. Your faith must be your own, rather than based upon feelings or personal views.

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Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

Kyle delivered an interesting and enlightening Bible “quiz” to encourage daily Bible study.

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Some of you may be aware that when Kyle Chamblee was younger, he used to be a competitive gymnast. He and I were talking the other day, and since he knew I played golf, asked me if playing golf ever left my muscles sore.

I told him, no, that it didn’t. Golf after all, is not the most intense form of physical activity. It is one of those lifetime activities that can be enjoyed at any age, and just about any fitness level.

Continue reading “Using New Muscles” →

Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

In his first effort to speak to the brethren, Kyle uses the construct of a “pop quiz” to teach some fundamental truths from God’s word.

Audio

At the first of just about every year, I take the time to encourage everyone to read their Bibles. I think it is important to establish a daily habit of Bible reading, and there are many schedules and techniques that can be used to facilitate that desire. But, the task can be intimidating, especially to those who have not been Christians for very long, or for those who are not “readers” among us.

Continue reading “Daily Bible Reading” →

Today, a new year begins. Thus an perfect opportunity to make some new year resolutions regarding your service for the Lord. One of the best that can be made is to be more consistent and devoted in your Bible reading schedule.

Over the years I have suggested and supplied a number of different reading plans. Reading the entire Bible in a year is a good plan. Some may want to read through the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Others may want in the next several months to read through the New Testament, or a portion of it.

I have come across a website that allows you to pick the book or books you want to read, and the time you want to take to do so. If you wish, a daily email can be sent with the reading, or links to audio on the internet, where you can listen to the passage you have chosen rather than reading it. The best part about the site is its versatility. It is easy to use, and even the most technologically timid can utilize the site. So, my suggestion would be to check it out today or tomorrow, and use it (or some other schedule) to help you to be regular and dedicated in your reading of the word of God.

The URL to the website is:

mybibleplans.com

It is commonly recognized that proficiency in any pursuit comes as a result of focus and effort. A mother insists that a child do his best and work hard in school, promising that if he will, he will get good grades. A coach demands that his team pay attention, and give 110% and assures that success will follow.

The same is true with regard to success in spiritual pursuits. Proficiency in the knowledge of God’s word takes focus and effort. Paul instructed Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The phrase “Be diligent” is translated in the KJV as “Study.” We study to know God’s word, this takes diligence (focus and effort).

It takes diligence and effort to “add to your faith” (cf. 2 Peter 1:5-8). It takes diligence and effort to “Walk in the Spirit” (cf. Galatians 5:16-26). These examples suffice to prove the point.

If you want to please the Heavenly Father, you must make an effort! Sluggards are simply not acceptable to Him. The wise man of Proverbs asks the question, “How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?” (Proverbs 6:9). Something to think about!