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 […]

Effective Teaching and Hearing

Text: Nehemiah 8:1-8 This passage describes Ezra the priest reading the book of the law to the people. It shows how the word of God can be effectively presented by the speaker. It also shows how the word of God can be appropriately received by the audience. How to Effectively Present the Word of God […]

Preaching Christ

Text: Acts 5:42 Most religious people recognize that the goal of preaching is to preach Christ. Yet there are distinct differences in their messages. Why? It is because of a misunderstanding about what it means to preach Christ. There is a popular way and a Scriptural way. We must opt for the Scriptural way. The […]

Accusations Against Truth Teachers

Text: John 15:18-21 Speaking the truth will make you the enemy of some (Galatians 4:16; Amos 5:10). Some made false accusations against Jesus (Matthew 9:32-34; 26:59). Jesus warned His disciples that it would happen to them. It happens to us today as well. This lesson will examine some of the accusations made against truth teachers […]

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 […]

Paul’s Charge to Titus

Text: Titus 2:15 These Things Speak What “things” is Paul talking about? … the things fitting for sound doctrine (Titus 2:1) In speaking “these things,” we are also to avoid certain things – foolish controversies (Titus 3:9), myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4), human philosophy (Colossians 2:8), human commandments (Matthew 15:9), a perverted form of the gospel […]

The Invitation

Text: Matthew 11:28-30 The Invitation is from Christ – What Did Matthew’s Audience Know About Christ? The Son of God, God in the flesh, one who came to save man from sins (Matthew 1:20-23; 4:17) He preached the gospel of the kingdom & healed the sick (Matthew 4:23) He taught as one who had authority […]