Mediocre Christianity

Text: Revelation 3:15-16 The church in Laodicea was condemned for being “lukewarm.” They thought they were in “need of nothing,” but they were not spiritually healthy. They needed to “be zealous and repent.” At times, we may be like the Laodiceans – not what we should be, but not completely unfaithful either; not zealously serving God, […]

Resolutions for the New Year

Text: 1 Timothy 4:8 As one year quickly draws to a close and we look forward to a new year, it is common to take time for self-evaluation and making resolutions to improve our lives. Many resolutions pertain to our lives here (improve finances or health, eliminate bad habits, etc.). These are all good, but […]

Put Away Childish Things

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:11 As one moves from childhood to adulthood, changes take place – more than just physical changes; also changes in relationships, responsibilities, maturity, knowledge, wisdom, etc. Many people do not want to grow up and accept these changes. This can also be true spiritually. Paul used this basic principle of growth and […]

Our Daily Meditation

Text: Psalm 119:97-99 When we talk about what we can do as individuals to grow spiritually, a few obvious things come to mind (reading the Bible, studying, prayer, etc.). One practice mentioned throughout the Bible, but often overlooked today, is meditation. Yet if we practice this correctly, it can greatly help us in our service to […]

Pressing On Toward the Goal

Text: Philippians 3:12-14 At the start of a new year, we focus a lot on GOALS we want to reach in the future (health, work, relationships, etc.). All of these may be good, but we must never lose sight of what should be our PRIMARY goal – “the resurrection” (Philippians 3:11). In our text, Paul […]

Contentment: What It Is and Is Not

Text: Philippians 4:11-13 God’s people are to practice contentment. Like Paul, we need to practice this in every circumstance. However, we need to understand what contentment is. Many claim contentment but are really immature, disobedient, cowardly, lazy, or apathetic instead. In this lesson, we are going to consider what the Bible says about contentment – what […]

Renewed Day by Day

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16 Many see the start of a new year as a time of renewal. The idea is good; however, as with all things, it is important that we think about it Biblically. There are a few passages in the New Testament that talk about being renewed. Let us consider what these passages […]