Sound Teaching

In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul described the characteristic walk of worldly people. He refers to them here as “the rest of the Gentiles” (17). For the Jew, Gentiles were considered to be unclean (cf. Acts 10:16). God declared that under the new covenant the important thing was not your nationality, but whether you have faith in Jesus Christ. “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God” (Romans 2:28-29). Therefore Paul’s reference here to the Gentiles is not to the physical Gentile but the man who has not been washed or sanctified before Him.

His description of them? They were futile in their thinking, with darkened understanding. They had given themselves over to lewdness, uncleanness and greediness.

This type of behavior is antithetical to being a Christian, an inward Jew. This is why in verse 20 of Ephesians 4, Paul wrote, “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus.” Christ teaches us that when we are separated to God through faith, we are to live our lives as a “new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (24). Learn from Him!

An examination of 2 Corinthians 1:3-14, as the Apostle Paul gives instructions to the young evangelist Timothy concerning his faith and ministry.

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A discussion of Ephesians 4:17-24 as the apostle describes the New Man in Jesus, contrasting him with the old man before our conversion.

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The Preaching of the gospel has a very important place in God’s scheme of redemption. As Paul wrote, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

Preaching is the means by which the gospel is spread throughout the world. The apostles as Christ’s ambassadors initially proclaimed that message on Pentecost. As the church grew persecution scattered the early believers, and we are told that they “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Men like Stephen, Philip, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Titus, etc., all serve as examples both of the need and efficacy of preaching the gospel of Christ.

The Bible shows two general purposes for preaching. As we have already shown, the preaching of the gospel to the lost brings faith to the hearts of men. As John noted, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Preaching” →

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 John 2:15-16).

The description given by John in this text seems to categorize all sin into at lease one of three groups. A practical consideration of this seems so. Every sin I can think of can be categorized as a consequence of illicit desire (brought from what we see, what we feel, or pride). Continue reading “Lust of the Eyes & Flesh, the Pride of Life” →

Our text is a clear warning of the possibility after becoming a child of God to so falter as to lose our soul. The Hebrew writer uses several clauses to establish a bonafide conversion to Christ. They were once enlightened; they had tasted the heavenly gift of salvation; they had experienced fellowship with the Holy Spirit; they had experienced God’s word, and “the powers of the age to come.” It is absurd to contend this is something less that having been saved by God’s grace.

And yet, there is the possibility of such a one falling away. And further, (in this case through negligence) to wander so far away from God as to be unredeemable. As the Hebrew writer put it, “they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame” (6:6).

This shows the reason for explicit calls to be steadfast in our faith. We should not consider our reconciliation with God an endpoint, but rather the beginning of a journey to heaven. We are saved because we are reconciled to God. Such as salvation is given us through God’s mercy, and no one can take it away from us. However, it is possible for us through neglect or rebellion to forfeit that standing in our lives (cf. 4:1).

“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity” ( Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).

This text clearly indicates God’s expectation and desire that we enjoy our time here on the earth. He does not require on principle for us to suffer. In this particular context, He shows that the times of our youth are to be greatly treasured. Follow your passions and interests, and have fun!

However, consider this one statement of warning. “But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” This establishes two important truths. First, God expects faithfulness to Him above all things. Second, you don’t have to be worldly to enjoy your life on the earth. This is the devil’s lie. The end of sin is destruction and death, not fun and frolic!

There is no value in sowing your wild oats, or following your own heart into sin. A life lived without God is a life of vanity and ruin. God does not want that for you in this life or in eternity! Serving God both brings joy and is “man’s all” (12:13).

In Luke 7, we find a centurion in Capernaum, whose character is assessed by the inhabitants of the city, by himself, and ultimately by Jesus Christ.  He was described as a loving, humble man, full of faith.  How will we be assessed?

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In the Old Testament God gave the command for the Israelites to tithe to support the nation, especially the Levites and Priests in their duties. “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD” ( Leviticus 27:30-32).

The most significant point for us as we consider giving in the New Testament is the statement that the tithe “is the Lord’s.” God’s people have a responsibility to return a portion of what the Lord has blessed us with back to Him. It is the Lord’s! As Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Giving” →

Luke 7 records in Jesus’ ministry a visit to the city of Nain. Nain was located southwest of the sea of Galilee about 8 miles south of Nazareth. There is no indication it was a large city, but verse 11 of the text indicates that when Jesus entered the city, he brought both His disciples, “and a large crowd” with Him.

The city is only known from this account, where Jesus raised a young man from the dead. His mother is famously known as “the widow of Nain.” Perhaps the most significant aspect of this notable miracle Jesus performed is the motivation behind it. We are told the young man was the only son of his widowed mother, and “When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her” (13). Continue reading “The Widow of Nain” →

Having noted the importance of progressing beyond the first principles of God’s oracles, our writer now gives a list of such fundamental truths.

Repentance from dead works (necessary for God’s forgiveness); faith toward God (without which it is impossible to please Him); the doctrine of baptisms (while there are numerous immersions in scripture, there is one commanded by God, cf. Ephesians 4:5. It is baptism in water for the remission of sins, cf. Acts 2:38); laying on of hands (the means by which the spiritual gifts were distributed through the apostles, cf. Acts 8:17); the resurrection of the dead (a reality made available by Jesus’ victory over death, cf. 1 Corinthians 15:21); and eternal judgment (the inevitable end of all things, cf. 2 Peter 3:11-13).

These rudiments must be learned and remembered. Then, we are to progress to meatier matters as we progress in our understanding of God’s will and Christian maturity. We are told “And this we will do if God permits” (3). God wants us to grow stronger and more capable as His children, and has supplied the means. Will we do our part?

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Our text is an important one in establishing the authority of Jesus Christ. The idea of headship indicates that in all things Christ reigns supreme over His church. This position of authority was given Him by His heavenly Father.

Christ’s authority is not found only in the church. As verse 21 indicates, He is preeminent over all. “Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”

Finally, as we take the beginning at the end, Christ is reigning on His throne over His kingdom. That is the nature of His authority. God “raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (20).

I say it often, but too many show themselves willing to accept Jesus as their Savior, but not as their Lord! Paul called Him the “blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). May we all respect the headship of Christ both as His church collectively, and individually as His subjects in His kingdom!

The Bible is inspired of God.  As such we know that the acceptance of various conflicting interpretations of scripture to be absurd.  The truth of God is both objective and obtainable as we study the Bible.  This lesson gives insight into the process of interpreting God’s Word.

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Our faith needs to permeate every aspect of our lives.  Our homes, our schooling, our jobs, our interactions socially.  We should emanate the reflected light of our Lord!

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On the night of His betrayal, Jesus instituted a supper to be observed in His kingdom to commemorate His sacrificial death for mankind. This is one of the responsibilities that we have as Christians as we come together to worship God. Consider Jesus’ words on that occasion:

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29).

As we consider this act of worship it is needful to establish the pattern required by the Lord to please Him, and also to consider the importance and solemnity of this feast. Continue reading “Corporate Worship: The Lord’s Supper” →