Text: James 4:13-17 Recent events have reminded us of the uncertainty of life (the Boston Marathon bombing and the Texas fertilizer plant explosion). We get similar reminders all the time. James warns us that if we do not have the proper understanding and attitude about the uncertainty of life, then we jeopardize our souls. So […]
January 29, 2013
Different Types of Baptisms in the New Testament
Text: Ephesians 4:5 Paul said there was “one baptism.” Yet the New Testament mentions at least six different types of baptisms. What are they? Which is the “one baptism” that is right for us today? Baptism of John Preached by John the Baptist (Mark 1:1-5) This was a baptism of repentance (Mark 1:4) – repentance […]
January 1, 2013
Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord
Text: Revelation 14:13 When a faithful child of God passes away, this verse is often used to comfort those who are grieving. But it is important to understand why these individuals are blessed. They Are Blessed Because They Have Died in the Lord In one sense, we might say that all who have died are […]
April 23, 2012
Did Jesus Die in Our Stead?
Text: Romans 5:8 Jesus died for us – no Bible believer will deny this. But what was the nature of His death? Did He die “in our stead,” as a “substitute”? This is a common theory, and many brethren believe it, yet it is not Biblical. Punishment vs. Consequences for Sin It is vital that […]
December 6, 2011
Sleep
Sleep of Physical Rest (Ecclesiastes 5:12) Sleep is good when used for its proper purpose — not for slothfulness, but as rest from a day of productivity Sleep is pleasant — lack of sleep is not pleasant, good, or desirable (2 Corinthians 11:27) Sleep of the working man (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 9:10) Sleep implies […]
October 31, 2011
The Four Calls
Text: Ephesians 4:1 A call is an invitation to something — some are optional, some are not. The NT describes at least four of these calls — the first is optional, the other three are not. The Gospel Call The call from condemnation to salvation We are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14) It […]
May 15, 2011
Jesus Wept
Text: John 11:35 Jesus Displayed Emotion We have emotions because we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) We must control our emotions (1 Peter 5:8) Emotions are a response to conditions — they are not a goal (emotionalism) God Allows Human Suffering Jesus had the power to heal Lazarus & end his […]
