Text: 1 Samuel 8:4-22 The Manner of a King He will take your sons to serve in his army & do his work (v. 11-12) He will take your daughters to work for him (v. 13) He will take your property (v. 14) He will tax your resources (v. 15) He will take your servants […]
July 11, 2010
By Your Providence
Text: Acts 24:2 The word “providence” is used only once in the Bible — describes the providence of a human governor. The way Felix would carry out various works by providence helps explain how God’s providence works today. God Has Given Instructions Instructions provided in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17) He has told us what […]
May 31, 2010
Charges Brought Against Paul
Text: Acts 24:1 Paul’s example shows us how to deal with false charges and persecution The Charges Causes division (Acts 24:5) — those who depart from the truth are the ones who cause the division, not the faithful (Jude 19) Opposes the government (Acts 24:5) — Christians are to submit to the government (Romans 13:1), […]
May 24, 2010
Here I Raise My Ebenezer
Text: 1 Samuel 7:12 The song, O Thou Fount of Every Blessing, contains the phrase, “Here I raise my Ebenezer…” What was the story behind the Ebenezer? The Background Philistines defeated Israel in battle, the Israelites brought the ark to help them, but it was captured (1 Samuel 4:2-11) Philistines brought the ark to house […]
May 24, 2010
The Hand of God was Upon Ezra
Text: Ezra 7:6-10 Why was God with Ezra? He Set His Heart Ezra was able to please God because he made a conscious decision to do so Pleasing God does not happen by accident (Matthew 7:13-14) We must make a daily choice to follow God or not (Luke 9:23) He Studied the Law He was […]
May 17, 2010
A City Set on a Hill
Text: Matthew 5:14 Highly Visible We should not expect to blend in with the world (Romans 12:1-2) There would be a sharp contrast between Christians and the world (John 15:18-19; 1 Peter 4:3-4) Target of Attacks Expect persecution (1 Peter 4:12) Do not surrender (Revelation 2:10) Fight back (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Position of Strength God […]
April 25, 2010
How God Speaks to Us Today
Hebrews 1:1-2 He Speaks to Us through His Son Jesus is the spokesman for God (John 18:37) Son of God — through Him, we see the Father (John 1:18; 14:8-9) Creator — “through whom… He made the world” (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17) Deity “radiance of His glory… exact representation of His nature” (Colossians 2:9) Redeemer “made purification […]
