Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Text: Romans 1:16-17 When Paul wrote to the Romans, he said he was “not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16). Because of his confidence in Christ’s message, he was “eager to preach the gospel” (Romans 1:15). We need to have the same confidence in the gospel that Paul had. Can we say we are “not […]

Consider Your Calling

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Paul contrasted those who are perishing and those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). The difference was in their response to the word of the cross (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24). There are just these two groups – the perishing and the saved. We need to be sure we are in the right […]

Hold Fast the Word

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 “Hold fast the word” – this statement (or similar) is found several times in the New Testament. Why are we to hold fast the word of God? We can answer that question by examining the passages that contain this admonition. Hold Fast the Word Because… It is the Gospel (1 Corinthians […]

“Christ Did Not Send Me to Baptize”

Text: 1 Corinthians 1:17 One of the notable points of disagreement we have with the religious world is over baptism. We teach that baptism is necessary for salvation. In general, the “Christian” religious world rejects this. Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 1:17 is often used to say that baptism is not necessary. We need to understand […]

Some Things Christians Cannot Do

Text: Matthew 5:14 There are many things that Christians should not do. But the Bible also teaches that there are some things that Christians cannot do. As we consider these, keep in mind that Jesus said these are things we cannot do, so do not think that you might be the exception to the rule (cf. Romans […]

Writing to the Philippians “of the Gospel”

Text: Philippians 1:7 In the book of Philippians, Paul uses the phrase “of the gospel” eight times (NASB). On each occasion, he explains something about the gospel to them (and to us). In this lesson, we will see what Paul wrote “of the gospel” in the letter to Philippi. Confirmation of the Gospel (1:7) These […]

“I Go to Prepare a Place for You”

Text: John 14:2-3 We sometimes hear the phrase, “Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” Though the phrase itself is not in the Scriptures, the idea is Scriptural. In this lesson, we will examine this prepared place – what it is like and how it has been prepared. We will also examine the […]