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 […]
August 29, 2010
To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
Text: Philippians 1:21-24 To Live is Christ Similar point in Galatians 2:20 We must be crucified with Christ (Romans 6:3-6) Fruitful labor (Philippians 1:22) Help others (Philippians 1:24) Live worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27) To Die is Gain Nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of this life (Ecclesiastes 11:8) — but keep things in […]
July 18, 2010
Untimely Deaths in the Book of Acts
Judas (Acts 1:15-20) Judas’ death recorded earlier (Matthew 27:3-5), but discussed here His death fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Acts 1:20; Psalm 69:25; 109:8) He was a disciple (Acts 1:17) — Christians can betray Christ just as Judas did (Hebrews 6:6) Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) Follows accounts of great benevolence by Christians in Jerusalem (Acts […]
