Sowing and Reaping

Text: Galatians 6:9 God created the world, and it operates according to the rules He established. This includes times of “seedtime and harvest” (Genesis 8:22). The outcome of the harvest depends (in part) on what was planted, when it was planted, and how it was done. This illustration of sowing and reaping is used throughout […]

Taking Meals Together

Text: Acts 2:46-47 The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the togetherness of brethren in the early church. Shortly after the church was established, the first Christians were meeting and eating together. Many churches today host “fellowship meals” – meals hosted by a congregation and conducted as part of the church’s work. But was Luke describing a church-sponsored meal? […]

Revisiting Bible Authority

Text: Matthew 28:18-20 It is good and necessary to revisit certain topics from time to time. We do not want to “drift away” from what we have learned previously (Hebrews 2:1). Some topics are so foundational that they affect what we believe, teach, and practice (individually and collectively). The topic of bible authority is one of […]

Judged by the Law of Liberty

Text: James 2:12-13 James said we will be “judged by the law of liberty” or “the law that gives freedom” (NIV). This should affect how we “speak” and “act.” So what does this mean? What is the “law of liberty”? How does recognizing this affect our lives? And how does this impact our view of […]

Contend Earnestly for the Faith

Text: Jude 3 Throughout the New Testament, our efforts in the cause of Christ are likened to our involvement in a military conflict (cf. 1 Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:11). Jude also used this type of language in our text: “Contend earnestly for the faith.” What does this mean? How do we do this? And why […]

Spiritual Disciplines

Text: 1 Timothy 4:7-10 People talk a lot about developing good habits (eating, exercise, etc.). This can be incredibly helpful. It is also beneficial in our spiritual lives, helping us grow to spiritual maturity. To be effective, we need to be intentional about these habits and willing to put in the effort to develop them. […]

Questions Regarding the Collection

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 We have a regular practice in the assembly of taking up a collection on the first day of the week. From time to time, it is good to evaluate WHY we do this and HOW we are doing it. Is this still a practice that the church needs to be doing […]