The foundations of authentic Christianity: 1) Not from Men, 2) Through Jesus Christ, 3) Rescues from this present evil age. Each hearer should understand that authentic Christianity comes from Jesus Christ as the standard. I want to impress upon each person the need for Christ to be the standard, not self.
As 2025 begins, let's commit to daily prayer and Bible study (Acts 17:11), attending all services, and more fellowship. Being a Christian is a commitment to a community.
Does the name of the church you are a member of reflect and honor our one Lord and God Jesus the Christ? I hope so. I also hope that the church of which you are a member reflects the identity of the New Testament church. If your church does not reflect that then I suggest you find a church that does. At the church of Christ, we strive to do just that, and we invite you to come and judge us in this regard. We invite constructive criticism. We want to know if we are not. We want to be transformed into the identity of Christ.
In this lesson, we will study the promise of the Holy Spirit 1) In Prophecy 2) In Power, 3) For Inspiration, 4) For Companionship, and 5) For the Christian. Each listener should be able to understand the promise of the Holy Spirit and what it was for.
The apostles and writers of the New Testament referred to the church as the “church of God” eight times in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Galatians 1:13, etc.). It is interesting to note that at least one of these references refers not to God the Father, but to God the Son (Acts 20:28). Local congregations are called “the churches of Christ” in Romans 16:16. The Holy Spirit names individual congregations in the scriptures such as the church of the Thessalonians and the church of Ephesus (1 Thessalonians 1:1; Revelation 2:1). Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.” It is right, therefore, to call the church, the church of Christ!
In this lesson, we will look at the first five books of Old Testament history. Each hearer will be more familiar with the first five books of Old Testament history. This lesson will set forth an overview of each of these books of Old Testament history.
"Brain rot" is Oxford's word of the year, but its root is old: self at the center of our desires (Matthew 16:26). Our focus must shift from self to Jesus.
Christ has teaching for family members: 1) Wives, 2) Husbands, 3) Children, 4) Parents, and 5) Servants. Each hearer should be able to state what Christ expects from them as a family member.
Does Christianity involve a recognition and commitment to God’s pattern? Yes. Paul told Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). Paul Himself received this pattern from the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
When one worships according to the God-given pattern, God will count him as righteous. When one steps outside that pattern and acts on his own, he creates his own righteousness and cannot please God (Romans 10:3). Without revelation, man can never restore God's order. However, if one humbles himself and returns to God’s pattern beautiful restoration occurs.
The voice of Yahweh in the thunderstorm 1) Calls the Mighty to Worship, 2) Speaks in a Voice of Majesty, 3) Proclaims Yahweh’s Kingship. Each hearer will understand that this psalm proclaims the power and might of Yahweh’s voice. Each person should be filled with awe and wonder at the power of Yahweh.
Abel had a pattern from God and he followed it. Cain did not. Cain offered worship that he invented. It was an offering of his own righteousness. It was not what God wanted. It was not pleasing to God. Mankind needs a pattern to avoid presenting his own righteousness to God. However, when we follow God’s pattern, God counts it as righteousness (Romans 4:3, James 2:23).
I should give to my local church because 1) God Gave to Me, 2) The Local Church Needs Me to Give 3) It Makes a Difference, 4) I Have a Christian Responsibility. The objective is to set forth four biblical reasons to give to the local church and to convince each person who partakes of the Lord’s Supper and has an income to give to the local
The plea of churches of Christ today is to restore New Testament Christianity into the lives of as many as will receive the gospel. It is not sufficient to preach the gospel without expecting those who believe it to change their lives. To this end, the churches of Christ preach, and the Bible teaches, that the gospel contains all the information that we need to do this (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:17).
Where does our heart stand? Are we at absolute zero because we are covetous, stubborn, or selfish? I hope not. Instead, we need to be pliable and plastic so that the Lord may mold and shape us to His will. You can’t bend something that is at absolute zero, only break it.
At the old rugged cross 1) the dearest and best was slain for a world of lost sinners, 2) some were repelled, but others were attracted, 3) a Savior calls the saved to faithfulness and eternal life. That we would cherish that old rugged cross for what our Savior did for us there.
Putting on Christ means we adopt His 1) Character, 2) Words, 3) Life. Each person will understand that to put on Christ means changing to be like Christ. To help everyone understand that putting on Christ is a full-time endeavor that encompasses everything the Christian does.
Jesus is precious because His blood is precious.1 Peter 1:19 says that we were not redeemed with corruptible things "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." This blood paid the price for my sins and bought me back from perdition (1 Cor.6:20). This blood purchased the church (Acts 20:28). This blood speaks greater things than that of Abel (Heb.12:24). The blood of Jesus is precious.
The Holy Spirit has a unique role in the godhead. Each listener should be able to describe the role of the Holy Spirit in scripture.
The Bible says that Jesus is precious to us who are born again to righteousness, edification, and sanctification. In 1 Peter 2:7 we have this statement, "Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious." Is Jesus precious to you? Do you value Him like you would value your most prized possession?