Text: Colossians 2:20-23 Lent is the 40-day period beginning with Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter. Those who practice it, give up something for forty days. No matter how well-intentioned, these man-made practices do not help. Instead of thinking we have some spiritual obligation to give up some insignificant luxury for forty days, let’s look […]
February 20, 2012
It Is the Hour for You to Awaken
Romans 13:11-14 After discussing a Christian’s obligations to their civil authorities and their neighbors, Paul addresses personal holiness and our responsibility to be wholly right before God. Know the Time (v. 11-12) These are matters of eternal consequence – many want to ignore these things and enjoy the here and now, but we cannot do […]
February 20, 2012
By the Grace of God
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 This chapter primarily deals with the resurrection. For a moment, Paul takes a break from discussing the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection to make a point about the grace of God. There are four points in these three verses that are related to grace. Humility Paul describes himself as “least of the […]
January 23, 2012
Pray for Those in Authority
Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Pray for Those in Authority Entreaties, prayers, petitions, thanksgivings – whatever is good, thank God for it; whatever is not good, petition God for change Remember that civil authorities have been given a role today by God (Romans 13:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:2) Remember our responsibility toward those in authority (Romans 13:1; […]
January 9, 2012
The Example of Those Who Fell in the Wilderness
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 Paul begins by reminding these Christians of the parallels between then and the Israelites (v. 1-4). But most died in the wilderness. We need to learn from their failings so we can avoid their sins. Do Not Crave Evil Things (v. 6) This was the fundamental problem that led to the […]
January 2, 2012
The Great War
Text: Revelation 17:14 Our Involvement Our warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) — spiritual, not carnal “Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11) — not written to apostles, preachers, or elders, but to all Christians We must fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12) The Enemy The adversary is the devil (1 Peter 5:8) — […]
