Point Out These Things to the Brethren

Text: 1 Timothy 4:6 A preacher’s job is not to find some “new” thing to present to his audience every time he preaches. He is to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2), which means he will inform, challenge, and remind the brethren. In our text, Paul explained the importance of preachers reminding the brethren. This can […]

Accusations Against Truth Teachers

Text: John 15:18-21 Those who are opposed to the truth will naturally be opposed to those who speak the truth. Jesus came “to testify to the truth” (John 18:37) and was crucified for it. He warned that we will receive the same kind of treatment. We also see this throughout the book of Acts. We […]

Producing and Developing Disciples

Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-7 Paul began this chapter by telling Timothy of his role in making disciples (v. 2). He mentioned three “occupations” that illustrated Timothy’s work as a preacher. Two of these were directly related to the work of making disciples (soldier and farmer). In a related passage, Paul mentioned another “occupation” – a […]

Shake the Dust Off Your Feet

Text: Matthew 10:5-15 In our text, Jesus gave His apostles a “limited commission.” If people did not receive them, they were to shake the dust off their feet – a symbolic gesture indicating that the apostles were not responsible (they did what they could) and the people were accountable for their rejection of the message. This was also […]

Unlikely Converts

Text: James 2:1-4 Sometimes when we think of evangelism and converting the lost, we may have a picture in our minds of the type of person who would be receptive. If we’re not careful, we could subconsciously reject/overlook some who may have otherwise been interested (the single mother, the person with tattoos, the immigrant who speaks broken […]

Rules for Religious Discussions

Text: 1 Peter 3:15 It is incumbent upon all Christians to be ready to teach others. Our text describes teaching that is done in the course of a discussion. How do we make the best use of our opportunities to discuss the Scriptures with others? Be Willing to Defend the Truth Paul, as an apostle, was “appointed […]

A Model of Personal Evangelism

Text: John 4 In this chapter, Jesus spoke with a woman at a well in Samaria. As a result of this conversation, she came know that He was the Messiah (v. 25-26), she told others about Jesus (v. 28-29), and many believed in Him (v. 41-42). We often wonder how to go about doing “personal evangelism.” This […]