Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Paul contrasted those who are perishing and those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). The difference was in their response to the word of the cross (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24). There are just these two groups – the perishing and the saved. We need to be sure we are in the right […]
November 3, 2014
They Did Not Lay Their Hands on the Plunder
Text: Esther 9:5-10 When the king issued a decree which would allow the Jews to plunder their enemies, they did not take advantage of that permission. Their example provides us with a lesson showing that what is legal is not always right. Background Haman plotted to kill the Jews (Esther 3:6) Instead, he was killed (Esther 7:10) […]
November 3, 2014
The Goal of Our Instruction
Text: 1 Timothy 1:5 Why do we preach and teach the gospel? It is about more than just fulfilling a command or following the New Testament pattern. We are to preach and teach with a purpose. Paul told Timothy about “the goal of our instruction.” Love Agape – active love; putting the interests of others […]
October 27, 2014
Troublemakers in the Early Church
Text: Romans 14:19 Within the Lord’s church, we are to pursue peace. Unfortunately, not everyone does this. Furthermore, some from outside of the church try to cause trouble for Christians. This lesson looks at four examples of troublemakers in the early church to see what we can learn from them. Saul Saul was a persecutor (Acts […]
October 27, 2014
Hold Fast the Word
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 “Hold fast the word” – this statement (or similar) is found several times in the New Testament. Why are we to hold fast the word of God? We can answer that question by examining the passages that contain this admonition. Hold Fast the Word Because… It is the Gospel (1 Corinthians […]
October 20, 2014
New Testament Teaching About Fasting
Text: Matthew 9:14-15 There are several passages in the Bible that talk about fasting. Many people have questions about the practice. The main question is, “Are Christians to fast today?” Fasting is a topic that is sometimes ignored or glossed over. But in this lesson, we want to consider what the New Testament teaches about […]
October 20, 2014
Mordecai
Text: Esther 2:5-6 One of the principle characters of the book of Esther is Mordecai – a Jew, Esther’s uncle. Most importantly, he was a man of faith. His example provides several lessons for us – we will notice just a few in this lesson. Mordecai Raised Esther (Esther 2:7) Esther’s parents died, so Mordecai […]
