What does it mean to be defiled? The Pharisees had one definition. Jesus had a different definition. In this lesson, we will examine 1) the meaning, 2) the manner, and 3) the menace of defilement. Each hearer will be able to explain that defilement originates in the heart, not from some external source. The aim of this lesson is to communicate that Christianity teaches personal responsibility.
Some may ask, “Doesn’t the Bible teach us to obey the government?” Yes. Passages such as Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 command us to obey the law and even […]
In Psalm 2 we see the eternal reign of the Messiah: 1) The Enemies of the Messiah 2) The Establishment of the Messiah, 3) The Edict of the Messiah, 4) The Ends of the Messiah. The hearer will understand that Psalm 2 prophecies about the eternal reign of the Messiah. Opposition to God’s plans will not succeed but only result in failure and wrath from God.
Socialism/Communism is a political system based on the assumption that the world is economically divided into two classes: the owners of production vs. the workers/producers; the aristocracy vs. the proletariat; the rich vs. the poor; the “haves” vs. the “have-nots.” The object of socialism/communism is to use the power of the government to take away wealth from those who have it and redistribute it to those who do not. It is alleged that this ideology will redress extant social injustices fomented by the privilege the “haves” exercise over the “have-nots.” In this way, society’s ills will be cured, and it will usher in a utopian paradise on earth.
Loving our families as Jesus loves us means: 1) Loving Our Families Without Expectations, 2) Loving Our Families Selflessly with Faithfulness, 3) Loving Graciously without Reservation. We must love our families like Jesus loves us to have Jesus living in our homes. If we learn this, then our homes will be great.
In this lesson, we will look at two kinds of hearts, 1) The hard heart, and 2) The Soft heart. Each should understand the two hearts, their relationship to God and his word, and which kind everyone should desire to have. To encourage everyone to have the kind of heart that God wants us to have.
Yesterday was Groundhog Day. The cute furry little rodent hopped out of his hole, looked at his shadow, and declared more winter yet to come! He then hopped back into […]
In this lesson we will study through Revelation 12 and note how the dragon fails: 1) To Destroy the Messiah, 2) To Take Over Heaven, 3) To Conquer God’s People. Each hearer should be encouraged that Satan cannot conquer us as long as we remain in Christ.
In this study, we will look at different kinds of risks that Christians must take to be Christians. There is the risk of 1) Leaving the ones we love, 2) financial loss, 3) our life and health, 4) public rejection and failure. Each Christian should know what kind of risks he or she faces each day in living the Christian life and be prepared to handle those risks understanding that while there may be "risks" while we are upon the earth, the outcome is guaranteed. I want to spur the brethren on toward taking more risks in these areas because the greater risk one takes the greater reward that is associated with the risk.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
We can’t save ourselves because 1) just one sin separates us from God, 2) sin distorts our efforts to do good, 3) the good works we do are not sufficient to save us. The listener should understand that only by trusting in Christ Jesus can we be saved.
http://newbostoncoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/first-corinthians-five-and-six.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: RSSFirst Corinthians Chapter 5 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not […]
Fear comes from 1) Lack of Knowledge, 2) Lack of Love, and 3) Lack of Faith. That we may be able to overcome our fears and live in love, peace, and fellowship with one another.
In this lesson we will look at the church in Sardis as described in Revelation 3. Each should be familiar with the description of the church at Sardis. The aim of this lesson is to teach the lessons of the church at Sardis.
Without grace, I would be hopelessly trapped in a mindset of constantly demanding retribution for failure.
As we study the Old Testament, let us never forget that it is all about Jesus!
Let’s not be like the one-talent man who went and buried his talent in the ground.
Sometimes it is hard to believe that our young men and women will soon graduate from High School and into adult life. We ask: Are they ready? Will they be […]