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.
In the news, we hear about government responsibility. People expect the government to give them one thing or another, or to fix this or that. Sometimes we hear about corporate […]
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 […]
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.
In this lesson, we will study 2 Samuel 22:26-28 noticing God’s response to our attitudes. God is not an idle spectator of our lives but responds to the attitudes that we display as we live life every day. Each person should live their life in the knowledge of God’s presence and response to our lives.
Escaping from Jericho meant 1) Escape for the Spies, 2) Escape for Rahab and her family, and 3) Escape from the Consequences of Sin. In this lesson, we will study the escape of the two spies and Rahab, and learn how we can escape from the consequences of sin through Jesus.
when we think more of ourselves than we ought to think (Romans 12:3), then we won’t be responsible for what we have. If we want more responsibility, then we need to take care of our own “little” business first
Faithful fathers build families and churches by being 1) Faithful to the Lord, 2) Faithful to their Wives, 3) Faithful to their Children. Each hearer will know how faithful fathers build faithful families and churches.
Biblical characters and commands should carry a lot of weight as we set our course in life.
In this lesson, we will examine ways in which Christ substituted his body for ours. Each should be able to explain how he has a responsibility to the death of Christ. To help each Christian recognize the importance of giving ourselves over to Christ.
To be a spiritual leader one must adopt 1) Jesus’ Model of Leadership, 2) Jesus’ Method of Leadership, and 3) Jesus’ Mission of Leadership. Each hearer should know what it means to be a spiritual leader in his/her family. Spiritual leadership means humbling ourselves before God to serve one another in our families.
Can Jesus depend upon us as his servants? Can he depend upon us to 1) Help the needy? 2) Live for Him? 3) Teach the Gospel? Each should know their responsibilities as Christians to help the poor, live in a Christian way, and teach others the gospel. In this lesson, I hope that each would understand that while God does not depend upon us in an existential sense, he does depend upon us, by his choice, to do what he commands us to do.
In this lesson, we will study of the blood of Christ and that it speaks about 1) The Church, 2) Salvation, and 3) Responsibility. Each hearer should understand the significance of the blood of Christ. I hope to help people think more about the blood of Christ during the Lord’s Supper.
To take ownership of my family’s faithfulness I must 1) Comprehend the contrast between the spiritual and the carnal. 2) Consistently cultivate the spiritual and cast out the carnal. 3) Care that my children copy my behavior. 4) Consider that it is never too late to change. In this lesson, I hope that each person will understand the responsibility that God has given parents to take ownership of their family. It is the aim of this lesson and series to keep our families faithful to the Lord.
Why do we do this? Because this is the mind of Christ. He was the only one who practiced perfect humility. Lifting Him up means bringing us low.
A narcissist, who is also passive aggressive, will rarely ever confront someone directly because he does not want to change and take ownership of his problems; it is much easier to blame others.
In this lesson we will examine the office of the deacon, its 1) History, 2) Responsibilities, 3) Qualifications, and 4) Rewards. The hearer should be able to locate and discuss the New Testament passages dealing with the office of the deacon. Considering the appointment of new deacons, I hope to be able to focus thought upon this office and the one being considered for appointment.
In this sermon, we will note that being a Christian requires a person to change his life. How do we do this? We must recognize: 1) Everyone Has Problems, 2) Our Past Does Not Define Us, 3) Winning Requires Effort, and 4) Transformation Takes Time. The hearer should be motivated to make changes in his or her life and to help others make changes in their lives as needed.
The section of scripture with which we are concerned falls within the sundry warnings that Jesus is giving to his disciples regarding the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Jesus words to them are basically this. Don't expect that you will receive a warm welcome out of the unfaithful. When you preach the gospel, people are going to become your enemies. In this sense, Jesus' came to bring a sword. The warning of Micah describing the unfaithful holds true here. Even among families, there will be division. This is the typical response of the unfaithful.
In last week’s article, we learned that Christ’s sacrifice eliminates all guilt. If we are feeling guilty about our past forgiven sins, then we are doing so for irrational reasons. […]