Paul’s Letter to the Galatians
Paul always had a purpose in his writing. When writing to the churches in the province of Galatia, he sought to correct some errors they had been led to, by men who opposed Paul just about everywhere he went.
These men were Judaizers, desiring to bind the covenant of circumcision and adherence to the law upon the Gentiles. They opposed what Paul taught, and sought to both contradict him, and delegitimize him in the eyes of others.
So, Paul began by defending his apostleship. He was not a usurper, but had been chosen by Jesus Himself (cf. Acts 9). What he taught had been accepted by the church in Jerusalem, and sanctioned by God (cf. Acts 15:1-35).
Mining the Scripture: Revelation 1:4-8
In our text we have the identification of the author, John. It is almost unanimous that this refers the the apostle. This depending upon the writing, would make John and old man. One of the prevalent views is that the book of Revelation was written at the end of the century, about 96 AD.
Also identified are the ones to whom the book was written, the 7 churches of Asia. The number 7 is a complete or holy number in Jewish literature, and would signify the same in this letter. This is not to say that their were only 7, but the 7 mentioned in chapters 2 and 3 are representative.
Jesus is identified here as the one who washed us from our sins with His own blood, and made us kinds and priests before God. His return is predicted, a time of judgment for all (cf. 2 Peter 3:11-13).
Jesus is the “Beginning and the End” and His Deity and eternal nature is established as true. He is the Almighty, which foreshadows the conflict and end of the entire book.
The Process of Temptation
In James 1:12-15, the Lord expresses the process that occurs that leads to temptation, and if is not checked, ends with eternal death.
Following is the passage: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Continue reading “The Process of Temptation”
Confidence in Prayer
The apostle Paul was the recipient of prayers on his behalf while imprisoned in Rome. The church in Philippi was concerned about him, and in addition to sending help were praying for him in his imprisonment. Paul wrote about it in Philippians 1:19-20). He wrote:
“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20).
Notice the phrase, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer…” How could he know such a thing? He was imprisoned, and had been so for some time. He was there at the whim of the most powerful person in the world, the Caesar of the Roman Empire. It is very simple, the petitions had been made to one who is more powerful than the most powerful human on earth, God Himself.
Paul was convinced that his work was not done, that God had more for him to do. As such, he knew that God was able to easily deliver him from bondage. If God wills it, it will be done!
The same is true for us. If God wills it, it will be done. Let us ask with confidence without doubting. (Matthew 21:22).
Sermon: Cannot See Afar Off
The list of 2 Peter 1 is described, and the consequences of not adding the attributes are discussed.
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Sermon: Destroy Both Body and Soul in Hell
Who can destroy both soul and body in Hell. Does Matt.10:2 and Luke 12:4 teach the exact same thing? I think it does, but I examine different view.
Mining the Scripture: Jude 20-23
Jude finishes his dissertation on the false teachers troubling disciples in the first 19 verses of his letter.
In verse 20 Jude begins to establish what Christians are to do to avoid the fate of those caught in error. To combat error it is necessary to build oneself up via faith. Since faith derives from the word of God (cf. Romans 10:17), this entails study and application. It also requires prayer, and the obedience which is a prerequisite to any sustained relationship with God.
A proper application of our obedience is seen in our treatment of those in sin. It requires knowledge and discernment, allowing one to make a “distinction.” Is an expression of compassion required to save a soul? Or, is it more appropriate to act boldly, lest ungodly influences gain a hold, and lead to the fall of others. The key is “making a distinction” (22). Faithful Christians are to be sympathetic to all men, however, they can’t all be treated the same. Like the false teachers discussed, arrogance and destruction must be dealt with firmly.
By Faith
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has been called the roll call of faith. It lists a great number of luminaries who obeyed God, motivated by their faith toward Him.
We are told in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Each of these individuals heard God’s word and believed it. This led to their actions and their acceptance by God. Continue reading “By Faith”
Imitate Me
Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). It has been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. We imitate others because they are like what we would like to be! So, do you want to be like Paul?
Paul gave up his previous life because he desired to “gain Christ” and have “the righteousness which is from God by faith” (Philippians 3:8-9).
Paul suffered greatly. He was beaten by the Romans on 3 different occasions, and by the Jews a total of 5 times. He suffered shipwreck 3 times. He was stoned. His journeys, with robbers, Jews and Gentiles, constituted great peril both on land and by sea. He lived a life of want, weariness, and sleeplessness, all to please his Lord. (2 Corinthians 11).
Perhaps above all, his rejection by “false brethren” (2 Corinthians 11:26,28) and those he had taught were the greatest disappointments of Paul. And yet, he still called upon others to “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
All that Paul gave up, and all that he suffered, he said was to “attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:11). So, it was worth it to him. Is it worth it to you as well? Are you willing to suffer hardship and rejection? Are your efforts designed to secure for you a spiritual reward rather than a physical one? Will you, “Imitate [Paul] just as [he] also [imitates] Christ”?
Sermon: Not All Change is Progress
What is true progressivism and conservativism, as it relates to morality, spirituality, and religion
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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)
Paul’s Praise
“A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28).
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:6).
Flattery, as seen by the texts above, is not a positive attribute. The idea is that flattering words are used to gain an advantage. They are not sincere. They can’t be trusted. Flattery comes from a “lying tongue.” When one who is your “enemy” seeks to curry your favor or flatter, they do not have your best interests at heart. Continue reading “Paul’s Praise”
Meeting Week
The week of a gospel meeting can be challenging as we set aside time throughout the week to come hear the Bible taught by qualified men.
The week reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4. He made the point that our physical existence prepares us for our eternal reward with God. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels” (7). As such Paul characterized his teaching in this way, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).
This is true both for the teacher and the student. Paul was very aware of his mortality, and yet endured even through suffering to prepare himself and his hearers for eternity. Our treasure in heaven is most important, and we have an opportunity this week to allow the “inward man” to gain great advantage through our worship and the teaching we will receive.
It is a question of importance and priority. Other things press upon us each day, but occasionally we set things aside to attend and luxuriate in a spiritual feast. “Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word” (Psalm 119:12-16).
