The Fragrance of Christ

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Paul’s purpose in life was to preach the gospel. Yet he knew he would not convert everyone. Whether or not someone is converted depends on their reaction to the message of the gospel. Paul explained that it would be perceived in one of two ways – the same is true today. […]

Following Paul’s Example

Text: 2 Timothy 3:10-11 In our text, Paul wrote to Timothy about how the young evangelist had followed the apostle’s example in various ways. Examples are important. Paul knew that he needed to set an example to others (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1). What about us? Are we setting the example that we need to set before […]

Shake the Dust Off Your Feet

Text: Matthew 10:5-15 In our text, Jesus gave His apostles a “limited commission.” If people did not receive them, they were to shake the dust off their feet – a symbolic gesture indicating that the apostles were not responsible (they did what they could) and the people were accountable for their rejection of the message. This was also […]

Answering Basic Questions (Part 5): What Is the Gospel?

Text: 1 Peter 3:15 In our text, Peter explained that each Christian needs to be ready to give an answer for what we believe. Giving a defense for the HOPE within us requires an ability to articulate the basics of our faith. In this series, we are going to discuss some basic questions that may […]

Unlikely Converts

Text: James 2:1-4 Sometimes when we think of evangelism and converting the lost, we may have a picture in our minds of the type of person who would be receptive. If we’re not careful, we could subconsciously reject/overlook some who may have otherwise been interested (the single mother, the person with tattoos, the immigrant who speaks broken […]

All Things Belong to You

Text: 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 We have been abundantly blessed by God. Paul emphasized this in our text – “all things belong to you.” But what does this mean? To answer that, we need to look at what he said and what is in the context. The Context Is About Not Boasting In one’s own wisdom (1 Corinthians […]

The Church as the Pillar and Support of the Truth

Text: 1 Timothy 3:15 There are several ways that the church is described in the New Testament. One way is in our text – the church is “the pillar and support of the truth.” What does this mean? Why did the Lord give this role to the church? How is this role carried out? What Does […]