The Character of Ruth

Text: Matthew 1:5 Ruth is one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ. Why? What is significant about her? When we look at the character of Ruth, we see some of the same traits that God expects of us today. Ruth was Loyal (Ruth 1:16-18) Ruth displayed a strong loyalty to her […]

By the Grace of God

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 This chapter primarily deals with the resurrection. For a moment, Paul takes a break from discussing the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection to make a point about the grace of God. There are four points in these three verses that are related to grace. Humility Paul describes himself as “least of the […]

Sleep

Sleep of Physical Rest (Ecclesiastes 5:12) Sleep is good when used for its proper purpose — not for slothfulness, but as rest from a day of productivity Sleep is pleasant — lack of sleep is not pleasant, good, or desirable (2 Corinthians 11:27) Sleep of the working man (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 9:10) Sleep implies […]

Finding Purpose Amidst the Vanity of Life

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 All is Vanity Futility of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18; 2:12-17) Futility of pleasures (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 10-11) Futility of possessions (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11) Futility of labor (Ecclesiastes 2:18-26) Yet These Things Can Have Profit Profit of wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-18) Profit of pleasures (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10) Profit of possessions (Proverbs 10:15,22) Profit of labor (Proverbs 14:23) Is […]

Some Lessons from Elijah

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 Miracles Confirm the Spoken Word (1 Kings 17:17-24) Miracles were a sign that God was with the speaker & was confirming the message (John 3:1-2; Mark 16:15-20) Today, we have inspired testimony to lead us to faith (John 20:30-31; Romans 10:17) Who Are The Troublemakers? (1 Kings 18:17-18) Elijah was accused […]

We Need More Men Like Amos

Text: Amos 1:1 Amos Was a Regular Guy He was a sheepherder (Amos 1:1) — common occupation He was “not a prophet” (Amos 7:14) — he certainly prophesied (7:15), but was not formally recognized or received wages as a prophet He was not a “son of a prophet” (Amos 7:14) — he received no formal […]

To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain

Text: Philippians 1:21-24 To Live is Christ Similar point in Galatians 2:20 We must be crucified with Christ (Romans 6:3-6) Fruitful labor (Philippians 1:22) Help others (Philippians 1:24) Live worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27) To Die is Gain Nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of this life (Ecclesiastes 11:8) — but keep things in […]