Reporting Back to Antioch

Text: Acts 14:27 Background of Paul & Barnabas’ Report to Antioch Antioch sent them on their way (Acts 13:3) They had just returned from their preaching trip (Acts 14:26) They gathered the church, not just the elders or a few individuals (Acts 14:27) Benefits of Preaching Reports Preachers are kept accountable — ensuring they are […]

Commands, Traditions, Expedients, Innovations

Four Questions for Our Assemblies: Why do we do what we do in the assembly? … Commands — NT pattern, what has been revealed How do we do it? … Traditions — custom Is there a way we can do it better? … Expedients — improve what we do to be more effective Are there […]

Why the Interest in Judgment Day Predictions?

Text: Matthew 24:36 They Want to Know What God Knows This is how the first sin was committed — Eve wanted to have knowledge that was exclusive to God (Genesis 3:1-6) We need to be content with what God has revealed (Deuteronomy 29:29) God has given us everything pertaining to life & godliness (2 Peter […]

Sins of the Rich Man

Text: Luke 16:19-31 Focused Only on This Life (v. 19) Nothing wrong with riches (1 Timothy 6:17) or enjoying life (Ecclesiastes 11:9) But wealth & enjoyment are not our ultimate goal (1 Timothy 6:9; Ecclesiastes 7:2-3) If we’re not careful, these can turn us away from God (Luke 8:14) This world is only temporary (1 […]

Jesus Wept

Text: John 11:35 Jesus Displayed Emotion We have emotions because we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) We must control our emotions (1 Peter 5:8) Emotions are a response to conditions — they are not a goal (emotionalism) God Allows Human Suffering Jesus had the power to heal Lazarus & end his […]

For The Truth

Text: 2 Corinthians 13:8 What can we do that would benefit or support the truth? Learn the truth (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) Believe the truth (Hebrews 11:1;  Timothy 1:12) Practice the truth (James 2:26; 1 Peter 1:22) Teach the truth (1 Peter 3:15) Defend the truth (Philippians 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Encourage the […]

God’s Love for Jacob

Text: Malachi 1:1-5 How Might We Fail to See God’s Love? (v. 2) We take it for granted We’re looking for something else We’re just not looking at all Existence without God’s Love (v. 3-4) Contrast the love shown for Jacob & the animosity toward Esau — if we separate ourselves from God’s love, what […]