Text: Isaiah 64:6 There is confusion in the religious world about the fundamental topics of faith and salvation. Some believe we are saved by faith alone. Some think that we cannot do good because we are born totally depraved. What does the Bible say? Our text is a verse that is sometimes used to defend these misconceptions. […]
September 23, 2019
By Grace You Have Been Saved
Text: Ephesians 2:1-10 Typically when the New Testament talks about grace, it is the grace that was extended from God to man. Grace is “kindness which bestows upon one what he has not deserved” (Thayer), sometimes called “unmerited favor.” As Paul explained in our text, God’s grace saves us. The Need for Grace (v. 1-3) […]
September 9, 2019
Measuring the Love of God
Text: Ephesians 3:14-21 This chapter begins with Paul describing what God has given – His grace in the gospel (v. 2-3), a way to understand His will (v. 4), salvation to the Gentiles (v. 6), His wisdom made known (v. 10), the church (v. 10), His eternal purpose carried out in Christ (v. 11). All of […]
July 24, 2019
What Is “Replacement Theology”
Text: Hebrews 8:13 “Replacement Theology” – also known as “Supersessionism” or “Fulfillment Theology” – holds that the New Covenant in Christ supersedes (takes the place of) the Old Covenant given to the Jews and that the church has replaced Israel as the people of God. It is in contrast with “Dual-Covenant Theology” which holds that […]
July 17, 2019
Quibbles about Baptism
Text: Acts 10:47 Even when there was a question in the early church about accepting the Gentiles, agreement on baptism was expected. This is not true today. Religious people have different ideas about baptism and quibble as to its meaning. In this lesson, we are going to look at some passages that are commonly misused/targeted. We will see what […]
May 29, 2019
Steps of Salvation for the Christian
Text: Revelation 2:5 We often emphasize the “steps of salvation” – what one must do to become a Christian (hear, believe, repent, confess, and be baptized). After that, we must live faithfully. But how do we live faithfully? The church in Ephesus was told to “do the deeds you did at first.” Remember the steps that lead […]
