The Thorn in the Flesh

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Keep from Exalting Self Pride is a persistent problem (2 Timothy 3:2) — no matter who we are, we each have things we could boast about; but we must not Paul could have boasted in the revelations (v. 7) and other things (Philippians 3:4-6) — the thorn in the flesh prevented […]

Tell Us Plainly

Text: John 10:22-27 This Was Not a Sincere Request of Those Genuinely Seeking Truth The Jews asked Jesus to tell them plainly if He was the Christ (v. 24) — yet this request had already been granted (v. 25) Same thing happens today — on various subjects, man wants a plain answer; God has already […]

The Suffering Servant

Text: Isaiah 53 He Did Not Have the Appearance of a King (v. 2) Man often superficially judges according to appearance (1 Samuel 16:1,6-7) God expects us to judge righteously (John 7:24) Man of Sorrows (v. 3) Jesus lived as a man (John 1:14) — necessary to fulfill God’s plan (Hebrews 2:14-15) In His life […]

The Creation Account

Text: Genesis 1:1 Different Theories to Explain Genesis 1 The Bible describes the Creation as occurring over six consecutive, literal, 24-hour days — but this does not fit with “science” (cf. 1 Timothy 6:20-21), so man has come up with alternate explanations The gap theory — large gap of time between verses 2 & 3 […]

Be Filled with the Spirit

Text: Ephesians 5:18 This is a Command Therefore, this does not mean that God miraculously fills us with the Spirit — we can obey this command How do we become filled with the Spirit? … By letting the word of Christ richly dwell within us (compare Ephesians 5:18-6:9 with Colossians 3:16-4:1) What is this verse […]

Some Lessons from Elisha

Text: 1 Kings 19:16 Requested a Double Portion of Elijah’s Spirit (2 Kings 2:6-14) Not referring to a greater ability to prophesy or perform miracles, but it had to do with the desire to follow in the footsteps of his master and continue his work (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17) Those who have led us are worthy […]

Some Lessons from Elijah

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 Miracles Confirm the Spoken Word (1 Kings 17:17-24) Miracles were a sign that God was with the speaker & was confirming the message (John 3:1-2; Mark 16:15-20) Today, we have inspired testimony to lead us to faith (John 20:30-31; Romans 10:17) Who Are The Troublemakers? (1 Kings 18:17-18) Elijah was accused […]