Counting the Cost

Text: Luke 14:27-33 In this passage, discipleship is not being discouraged, but Jesus is emphasizing he fact that we must understand what we are committing to by following Him. He used two illustrations to make His point – a man building a tower and a king going to battle. As we take a closer look […]

Why Were They Called Churches of Christ?

Text: Romans 16:16 Paul referred to the congregations with which he was associated as “churches of Christ.” Many brethren, in an effort to follow the New Testament pattern, have also used this to identify local churches. But some have tried to distance themselves from this name. Our desire must be to please Christ and serve […]

Consider Your Calling

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Paul contrasted those who are perishing and those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). The difference was in their response to the word of the cross (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24). There are just these two groups – the perishing and the saved. We need to be sure we are in the right […]

The Goal of Our Instruction

Text: 1 Timothy 1:5 Why do we preach and teach the gospel? It is about more than just fulfilling a command or following the New Testament pattern. We are to preach and teach with a purpose. Paul told Timothy about “the goal of our instruction.” Love Agape – active love; putting the interests of others […]

Troublemakers in the Early Church

Text: Romans 14:19 Within the Lord’s church, we are to pursue peace. Unfortunately, not everyone does this. Furthermore, some from outside of the church try to cause trouble for Christians. This lesson looks at four examples of troublemakers in the early church to see what we can learn from them. Saul Saul was a persecutor (Acts […]

Hold Fast the Word

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 “Hold fast the word” – this statement (or similar) is found several times in the New Testament. Why are we to hold fast the word of God? We can answer that question by examining the passages that contain this admonition. Hold Fast the Word Because… It is the Gospel (1 Corinthians […]

New Testament Teaching About Fasting

Text: Matthew 9:14-15 There are several passages in the Bible that talk about fasting. Many people have questions about the practice. The main question is, “Are Christians to fast today?” Fasting is a topic that is sometimes ignored or glossed over. But in this lesson, we want to consider what the New Testament teaches about […]