Text: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 This is the second lesson in a series about dangers that exist “on the safe side.” This phrase means “avoiding danger, with a margin for error” (definition). Sometimes this is fine or even wise, but there is a difference between wisdom and safety. Sometimes they overlap, but not always. At times, staying “on the safe side” […]
February 1, 2021
Practicing Church Discipline
Text: 1 Corinthians 5 Church discipline is often not a pleasant topic, and is even more difficult to practice. However, while this is often difficult and painful to practice, there are times when it is absolutely necessary. Also, when it is done for the right reason and in the right way, it is actually for good – benefitting […]
February 17, 2020
The Christian’s Education
Text: John 7:15 Many people in our society place a great emphasis on education. This is good. But what about our education as Christians? How are we to learn, train, grow, and develop as disciples? Let us consider what the Scriptures say. Modeled after Jesus During the Feast of Booths, Jesus went to Jerusalem and began to teach (John […]
October 28, 2019
Shame: A Biblical Perspective
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Shame is “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.” One can also be shamed or put to shame by others, causing him to feel ashamed. Shame has a very negative connotation in our society. But what does the Bible have to say about […]
January 8, 2018
Mark and Avoid
Text: Romans 16:17-18 At the close of his letter to Rome, Paul told the brethren to “mark” and “avoid” certain people. Why would he tell them to do this? What was this to accomplish? And what about the one being marked? In this lesson, we will seek to answer these questions from the word of God. Reasons […]
May 22, 2017
The Problem with Organized Religion
Text: Ephesians 4:11-12, 16, 22-24 Many people today disparage “organized religion.” Instead, they just want a “personal relationship” with Jesus. However, this is not an “either-or” proposition. In our service to God, we have personal and corporate responsibilities. In this lesson, we will discuss these responsibilities and notice what the real problem is with “organized […]
September 7, 2015
Church Membership
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:27 The term “church membership” is not used in the New Testament, but the concept is certainly taught (1 Corinthians 12:14-30). In this lesson, we will consider the topic of church membership by asking three questions. (1) What is church membership? (2) How do we become members? (3) What are members to […]
