Text: 1 Peter 1:1-9 Peter began his first epistle focusing on the hope of salvation. This hope that we have is a “living hope.” God’s Work to Save Us (v. 1-2) Peter mentioned all three members of the Godhead being involved in our salvation – God the Father, by His foreknowledge, crafted a plan to […]
March 19, 2018
“Baptism Now Saves You”
Text: 1 Peter 3:21 Some passages in the Bible are controversial and people have intense disagreements as to their meaning. This passage is not so much controversial as it is ignored. The meaning is straightforward, but people simply don’t want to accept it. What Is Baptism? Different definitions of the English word baptize – immerse, pour, sprinkle Greek word […]
January 3, 2018
All Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Text: Ephesians 1:3-14 There are many reasons to praise God. In our text, Paul emphasized the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ. Spiritual Blessings Predestination (v. 4-5) – tied to God’s foreknowledge (Romans 8:29); what God foreknew about the ones who would be predestined was their character; God predestined a specific class of people (holy and blameless) Grace […]
October 10, 2017
Oversimplifying Bible Passages
Text: 2 Peter 3:16 In teaching the Bible, we should strive to do so in a manner that is simple so that others can understand. However, some “distort” or “twist” the Scriptures by making them say something they do not. One of the ways this happens is by oversimplifying certain Bible passages. They assert something that […]
March 20, 2017
God’s Provisions in the Plan of Salvation
Text: Matthew 22:1-4 Salvation is impossible without the Lord (Acts 4:12). He has made everything “ready” (Matthew 22:4). God gave a plan in His word by which we can be saved (hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, and be faithful). Every step of the way, God has provided what is necessary for us to do what […]
January 2, 2017
Consider Your Calling
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26 Paul spoke to the Corinthians of “the word of the cross” (1 Corinthians 1:18) and said that many rejected it, but they had accepted it. However, they needed to remain faithful. To encourage them to remain faithful, he told them, “Consider your calling” (1 Corinthians 1:26). We must do the same […]
November 21, 2016
The Gospel of Promise
Text: Galatians 3:1-29 This is the third of six lessons examining the gospel from the book of Galatians. This lesson will focus on the gospel as a message of promise. This promise extended all the way back to Abraham. As we will see, this promise is conditional. The Announcement The promise made to Abraham (Galatians 3:8) – promise of the […]
