I Love the Church Because It is God’s Community of Love
God created people for love and fellowship (Genesis 2:18). The church is God's community of love where our need to love and be loved is fulfilled in Christ.
Category: Kevin’s Korner
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Is Holy Spirit Baptism the Baptism that Jesus Commanded?
Jesus commanded men to baptize other men (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16). What baptism did He command? He did not command a baptism that only He could do, but that all His disciples could do, namely, water baptism. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). To be born of water and the Spirit is to be baptized in water according to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:12-13 says Philip baptized those who heard and believed the word in water. They did not receive the Holy Spirit, however, until John and Peter came later (Acts 8:16).
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The Conversion of Simon the Sorcerer
9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
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There is a Sea
In this song, the writer illustrates how to have a giving spirit by looking at both the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. He uses them as metaphors for what happens to us when we give punctuating it with the example of Christ. Each person should examine his life to see if he is giving freely and generously to others.
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What is Holy Spirit Baptism?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a direct overwhelming of a person by the Holy Spirit instigated by Jesus Christ Himself for the purpose of miraculously demonstrating divine approval. The Bible only records two bona fide instances of Holy Spirit baptism that are labeled as such.
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David’s Prayer for Escape – Psalm 17
The text of Psalm 17, David's prayer for escape, in which he asks God to keep him as the apple of His eye and hide him from the wicked, trusting he will see God's face.
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Jesus Teaches the Golden Rule
Jesus’ teaching on the golden rule is: 1) Based on Needs, 2) Reflects God’s Character, 3) Optimistic, 4) A Practice of Love, 5) Is Proactive. Each hearer should have a better understanding of what the golden rule means and how to apply it. To cause us to consider, reflect, and think more often about the golden rule.
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Are We Saved by Grace?
Yes, we are saved by grace. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them." Some accuse the churches of Christ of not believing this. They reason that since we teach that baptism saves, we are not teaching salvation by grace but by works of merit. What Paul wrote, however, does not exclude works of obedience. He also says that we are created for good works.
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Why Did Paul Say He Didn’t Come to Baptize?
We note that Paul's statement that Christ sent him not to baptize, didn't mean that Paul never baptized anyone. If it was the case that Paul wasn't supposed to baptize anyone, then he wouldn't have baptized Crispus and Gaius who he directly states in the context that he did indeed baptize. So the passage couldn't mean that Christ didn't send Paul to baptize at all.
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Is It a Sin to Publicly Defame Someone?
It hurts to have your name defamed, but it simply isn't worth pursuing in such a manner. Sometimes it is better to suffer wrong than to demand your rights.
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The Bride is Blessed with Unity
The Bride is Blessed with Unity: 1) The Prerequisites of unity. 2) The Principles of Unity 3) The Plan of Unity 4) The Purpose of Unity. OBJECTIVE: Each hearer should be able to state how the Bride is blessed with unity. This lesson seeks to help each individual understand the importance of maintaining unity.
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Was the Thief on the Cross Saved without Baptism?
The thief on the cross was saved, but was he saved without baptism? We do not know. We cannot say that he was NEVER baptized. John baptized many. Matthew 3:5-6 says, “Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.” John 4:1 says, “…Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.” How could one absolutely KNOW that the thief on the cross was not among these people? Given Matthew and John’s statements regarding the number of people who were baptized, it is more likely that he was.
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It Might Draw a Crowd
It doesn’t matter if it does bring in people; you still have a dangerous problem. Just because people will flock to see something doesn’t make it safe or good. Unscriptural worship is like a toxic waste that can eat away the children of God in worldly self seeking people. Just because it may draw a crowd does not make it right.
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Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
In this lesson we will study the principle parts of Matthew 6:33 and how they apply to our lives. Each person should know Matthew 6:33 and how it applies to his life.
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Why Are People Not Content?
In this lesson, we will explore eight reasons why people are not content. Each person should reflect on their own life to see if their discontentment matches any of these reasons and take steps to correct himself.
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Teach the World to Sing
It doesn’t matter what your voice sounds like on its own, when the church gathers together and lifts up praises to God in harmony, it is a beautiful thing to God. They are functioning like a body, each part working in one purpose for the whole. Not Me but Us.
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Why Can’t We See Heaven Clearly?
Heaven should motivate us to live godly lives. Sometimes, however, we lose sight of it. What keeps us from seeing it clearly? 1) Do We Think We Already Have It? 2) Are We Close Enough to God? 3) Does Our Pain Prevent us From Seeing It? 4) Is Fear Keeping Us From Seeing It? 5) Do Our Worries Block Our View of It? 6) Do We Love Hell Instead?
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“But I Was There!”
Christian duty does not begin and end at the doors of the building. A person can never miss an assembly and still be unfaithful in regards to seeking the lost, loving one another, or doing good works. Attendance shouldn’t be the end of our commitment to Christ but rather the stimulus to do more in the kingdom.
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Can the Jews Obtain Righteousness? (Romans 11)
The Jews can obtain righteousness because 1) Paul and other Jews obtained righteousness, 2) Their fall does not end their opportunity, 3) Their righteousness comes through the Christ, 4) God is Wise. Each person will understand that the Jews can obtain righteousness through the gospel but no other way.
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The Paradox of Pay
The Preacher tells us this truth in Ecclesiastes 5:10-11, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on?” Satisfaction doesn’t come in getting what you want; it comes in wanting what you already have.
