Text: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 The word reconciliation means a restoration of divine favor. In other words, it is about bringing man back into a right relationship with God. Paul emphasized reconciliation in our text and explained that it involves the work of God, the gospel, those who proclaim the gospel, and those who would be reconciled. Reconciled Through […]
June 12, 2017
Extreme Measures
Text: Matthew 18:8-9 Typically, one will not purposefully harm himself unless he is severely depressed or mentally ill. Yet this idea is used in the New Testament to make a spiritual application – we must be willing to go to extreme measures to do what is right. In this lesson, we are going to see what […]
June 12, 2017
Excel Still More
Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 Paul wrote a very complimentary letter to the brethren in Thessalonica, yet he told them to “excel still more.” Continued growth is necessary in the life of a disciple. We need to be faithfully serving the Lord today; but rather than remain in that state, we must “excel still more.” Personal Decision […]
May 22, 2017
The Problem with Organized Religion
Text: Ephesians 4:11-12, 16, 22-24 Many people today disparage “organized religion.” Instead, they just want a “personal relationship” with Jesus. However, this is not an “either-or” proposition. In our service to God, we have personal and corporate responsibilities. In this lesson, we will discuss these responsibilities and notice what the real problem is with “organized […]
May 15, 2017
Mary the Mother of Jesus
Text: Matthew 1:20-23 Some in the religious world elevate Mary to the status of deity. She played an important role in Christ being born into the world, but she was not equal with Him. Without elevating her too highly, we can recognize and appreciate the good qualities she possessed. We will consider some of these in this […]
May 8, 2017
Judge with Righteous Judgment
Text: John 7:24 When it comes to what the Bible says about judging, many people only think of Matthew 7:1 (“Do not judge…”). They ignore the context and claim that Jesus condemned all types of judging. However, Jesus taught that there are certain judgments that we must make. We are to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). What does […]
April 24, 2017
Joseph of Arimathea
Text: Matthew 27:57-60 One of the people we read about in connection with Jesus’ death is Joseph of Arimathea. He took it upon himself to bury the body of Jesus. He is mentioned in all four gospels, but only briefly. There are some lessons we can learn from this man – challenges he faced and traits […]
