Unacceptable Gifts for God

Text: Amos 5:21-24 These words from God in our text might sound shocking to many people today. Why would God not accept worship that was being offered to Him? In this case, it was because of their sin. Yet there are other passages that describe other kinds of unacceptable gifts to God. In this lesson, […]

Glad to Go to the House of the Lord

Text: Psalm 122 This psalm is about our attitude toward worship – particularly, the opportunities to assemble for worship. It describes worshiping in the temple (the house of the Lord) and going to Jerusalem. The parallel is to the assembly (where we gather) and the church (where the Lord placed His name). Let us notice some of the things […]

Sowing and Reaping

Text: Galatians 6:7 The Bible teaches that we will reap what we sow. Our actions, attitudes, thoughts, decisions, etc. have consequences. We need to recognize this and seriously consider what we ought to be doing. So let us consider various passages that talk about SOWING and REAPING – the good and the bad. Our Choice as to How We […]

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 […]

Then the Devil Comes

Text: Luke 8:11-12 In His explanation of the parable of the sower, Jesus described the time when “the devil comes.” There are various times when “the devil comes” to tempt us or to convince us to reject the truth. If we are to resist him, we would do well to note when he comes so we […]

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 […]

“Remember Me For This”

Text: Nehemiah 13:14 Four times, Nehemiah asked that God remember him for something. What were they? And what lessons can we learn from them? He Did Not Take the Governor’s Food Allowance (Nehemiah 5:14-19) Nehemiah served as governor of the land, but he was different that former governors – they burdened the people with excessive […]