Radical, Liberal, Institutional

Most of the time we use these terms negatively. Yet in a sense, these terms can also be used to describe the good that God expects of us. Radical The Bible cautions us against radical ideas (Deuteronomy 5:32; Proverbs 24:21) — But… We are to be far different than the norms of the world (Romans […]

Taking Stock

Where Have We Been? Born innocent, without sin (Ecclesiastes 7:29) All who have reached an accountable age have sinned (Romans 3:23) Sin separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2; Ephesians 2:1-3) Without direction (Jeremiah 10:23) Where Are We Now? Those who have not had their sins forgiven are still in the condition described above Christians have […]

Peter’s Commission

Text: John 21:15-19 Forget Past Mistakes – Peter made his share of mistakes, but he could not let them hinder his service to Christ in the future Feed the Flock – teach & lead others in the way of Christ Endure Persecution – Peter would eventually suffer death for his faith, he needed to be […]

The Fourfold Foundation of the Gospel

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Four Facts of First Importance Christ died – laid down His life for our sins (John 10:18; Colossians 1:22) He was buried – shows that His death was not a hoax (Matthew 27:57-60) He was raised – first fruits of those who are asleep, gives us hope (1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 […]

Sins Addressed in the Book of Malachi

Despising the Table of the Lord (Malachi 1:6-7) Dealing Treacherously with One’s Wife (Malachi 2:13-14) Calling Evil Good (Malachi 2:17) Withholding Offerings from God (Malachi 3:8-9) Failing to Return to God (Malachi 3:7)

The Restoration

The Lord’s Church Never Went Away (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 16:18) What Was Restored? Basically, a willingness to put Christ first Give up prior beliefs and practices (1 Thessalonians 1:9) Sacrifice relationships (Matthew 10:345-37) Accept the NT as our sole authority (2 Timothy 1:13) Restore NT practices – work, worship, organization of the church Ongoing Process of Restoration – […]

Preaching in Ephesus

Text: Acts 18:19-19:41 Interest in the Gospel (Acts 18:20; 19:10) Recognition of the Need for a Savior – John’s disciples, waiting for the Savior (Acts 19:1) Honest Hearers – Willing to change when presented with the truth (Acts 18:24-28; 19:1-7) Committed Disciples – Continued with Paul despite the opposition (Acts 19:9) Reasoned Preaching – Paul […]