Introduction A. Some might think that the Old Testament would make a poor instructor on the subject of love, but Jesus s...
Serving God Instead of Men
Introduction A. As much as Jesus sought to serve the people around Him, He made it clear that He answered to none but the...
Purpose
Introduction A. When Ruth gleaned in the field of Boaz, he ordered his servants to drop some barley on purpose for her to gather (Ruth 2:14-17). B. When Jacob blessed the two sons of Joseph, he intentionally bestowed the greater blessing on the younger (Genesis 48:8-20). C. We need to live our lives with a sense of purpose. I. We need to worship with a sense of purpose. A. We should sing as if we want to (Ephesians 5:18-20). B. When...
The Greatest Thing
Introduction A. After dealing one-by-one with the problems in Corinth, Paul offers the solution to every problem: love (1 Corinthians 13:13). B. Paul contrasts love with other great things, and, after analyzing it thoroughly, he concludes that love excels them all. I. Paul first contrasts love with other great things (vss. 1-3). A. He contrasts it with miraculous gifts (vs. 1-2a). B. He contrasts it with faith (vs. 2b). C. He contrasts it with charity (vs. 3a)...
Why did God Create Satan?
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5:8-9). This is a question that raises concern for a lot of people, especially for those who do not understand the role Satan has played in God’s plan. As hard as it is to imagine, even Satan...
What Loves Does
Introduction
A. Love and faith are much alike: they are both lasting (1 Corinthians 13:13), and yet neither can be perceived by the natural senses.
B. Intangible things like faith and love can only be detected and measured by their effects (James 2:14-26; cf. Hebrews 11).
C. How can you tell if someone loves you? What are love’s effects?
I. Love serves.
A. If we love God, we will serve Him (Matthew 6:24).
B. If we love...
The Next Generation
Introduction
A. In the NT, the word “generation” basically means “the sum total of those born at the same time, expanded to include all those living at a given time” (Arndt & Gingrich).
B. What sort of generation are we, and what sort will follow us here?
I. Will the next generation forget the Lord?
A. The generation after Joshua forgot (Joshua 24:31; Judges 2:1-5).
B. The generation after Hezekiah forgot (2 Kings...