Text: Isaiah 5:1-7 The Parable God planted a vineyard – located on a fertile hill (v. 1); removed its stones (v. 2); planted with the choicest vine (v. 2); built a tower & hewed out a wine vat (v. 2); expected good grapes, but it only produced worthless ones (v. 2) Judgment of the vineyard […]
July 3, 2012
Making Sin a Trivial Thing
Text: 1 Kings 16:29-33 Ahab was one of the more infamous kings in the Bible. He was so wicked that sin had become trivial (unimportant, nothing to be concerned about). It is dangerous for sin to become a trivial matter. In Ahab’s example we see how sin becomes trivial so we can avoid this condition as […]
June 4, 2012
What is Lost Because of Sin
Text: Genesis 3:22-24 Satan tempts us to sin by highlighting its benefits (Genesis 3:4-6) and pleasures (Hebrews 11:25-26). He does not want us to look beyond what is immediately before us. He wants us to focus on the temporary pleasures we can gain from sin and ignore what we stand to lose because of sin. […]
May 13, 2012
David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth
Text: 2 Samuel 9 David’s kindness to Mephibosheth parallels the grace which God shows us – not on every detail, but on the major points. For David’s kindness and God’s grace, there is a plan, a need, a declaration, and a response. David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth Plan – Before even knowing of Mephibosheth, David planned […]
April 23, 2012
Did Jesus Die in Our Stead?
Text: Romans 5:8 Jesus died for us – no Bible believer will deny this. But what was the nature of His death? Did He die “in our stead,” as a “substitute”? This is a common theory, and many brethren believe it, yet it is not Biblical. Punishment vs. Consequences for Sin It is vital that […]
April 23, 2012
Justice for King Agag
Text: 1 Samuel 15:32-33 Saul was sent on a mission to destroy the Amalekites, yet spared their king – Agag (1 Samuel 15:2-3,8). Saul was condemned and punished for his sin (1 Samuel 15:14-15, 18-20, 22-23), yet Samuel did not forget to deal with Agag. Even though Agag thought he would be spared, justice was […]
April 9, 2012
A Body Prepared by God
Text: Hebrews 10:5 God prepared a body for Jesus so that He could fulfill His mission. Yet this is not the only body which God has prepared. While each is different, there are several things which they have in common. God Prepared Man’s Physical Body (Genesis 2:7) Man had no part in the preparation of […]
