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 […]

The Flesh vs. The Spirit

Text: Romans 8:5-13 In our text, Paul contrasted two different mindsets – one set on the flesh, the other set on the Spirit. These are diametrically opposed to one another, and as Christians, it should be obvious which side we are on. Yet too often, we allow our minds to focus on the flesh instead […]

Sowing and Reaping

Text: Galatians 6:9 God created the world, and it operates according to the rules He established. This includes times of “seedtime and harvest” (Genesis 8:22). The outcome of the harvest depends (in part) on what was planted, when it was planted, and how it was done. This illustration of sowing and reaping is used throughout […]

Convicting the World

Text: John 16:7-11 Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus spoke to His apostles and promised to send the Holy Spirit. He would “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” This would have a direct impact on the apostles’ teaching, and it should with ours as well. Role of the Holy Spirit Jesus promised the […]

Big Words in the Bible (Part 4): Justification

Text: Romans 4:1-5 In this series, we are looking at some big words in the Bible. All of them are “big” in terms of importance; but for some of them, we may be unsure of what they mean. In this fourth lesson, we will be looking at the word justification – what it means to be justified […]

Hope for the Future

Text: Proverbs 24:13-20 Throughout the book of Proverbs, a contrast is made between wisdom and foolishness. Those who follow the wisdom from above and live according to it will be righteous. Those who reject this wisdom will engage in wickedness. However, even though the wicked reject godly wisdom, they often prosper in life – and […]

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Text: Luke 18:9-14 Jesus often used parables in His teaching – using an everyday illustration to describe a spiritual truth. In this parable, Jesus described two men going to the temple to pray; but only one of them was accepted by God. As we study this, we are going to attempt to identify the MAIN point. Once we do that, we […]