Three Reactions to the Gospel

Text: Luke 8:8, 18 After telling the parable of the sower, Jesus said we must hear (Luke 8:8). But it is not just important that we hear, but how we hear (Luke 8:18). Luke records three examples of those who heard Paul give his defense (Acts 25-26) – Festus, Bernice, and Agrippa. When they heard […]

Brief Examination of Mormonism

Text: 1 John 4:1,6 Mormonism, like any other human religion, teaches some things that are true and some things that are false. In this lesson, we’ll consider a few fundamental Mormon doctrines & compare them with Scripture. Sources of Divine Inspiration Mormons believe in four sources of divine inspiration – the Bible (insofar as it […]

What to Call the Preacher

Text: 2 Timothy 1:10-11 This lesson will examine two things: (1) what the Bible calls those who preach the gospel and (2) what the religious world calls those who preach. Why is this important? Names mean something – they are used for a reason; they help describe the work (or the perceived work). This is […]

The Gospel and Salvation

Text: Romans 1:16-17 The Gospel is God’s Power to Save The gospel and salvation are inseparable from one another (Romans 1:16) Paul defines “the message of truth” as “the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:13) Paul’s Message Was Christ-Centered The message that Paul preached was centered on Christ (1 Corinthians 2:1-2) – this will, of […]

Conduct Yourselves in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel

Text: Philippians 1:27-30 Not Dependent Upon the Approval of Others Whether Paul came or remained absent, he wanted them to be faithful (cf. Philippians 2:12) Christians certainly provide a benefit to one another – encouragement (Hebrews 3:12-13), accountability (James 5:16.19-20) But we must be of the mind that we will serve God, even if no […]

David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth

Text: 2 Samuel 9 David’s kindness to Mephibosheth parallels the grace which God shows us – not on every detail, but on the major points. For David’s kindness and God’s grace, there is a plan, a need, a declaration, and a response. David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth Plan – Before even knowing of Mephibosheth, David planned […]

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 […]