Introduction A. This passage in Habakkuk is quoted three times in the NT to stress the need for perseverance (Romans 1:...
Learning from Jeremiah (PM)
Introduction A. Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet” not only because of the persecution he endured, but also be...
Don’t Give Up Now!
Introduction A. When Jesus offered the bread of life to a crowd with an appetite that only literal bread would appease, many refused to walk with Him another step. B. When the Christian life becomes difficult, there are many who will give up when God’s greatest gifts are yet to come. I. Jesus reminds us that any hardships we endure are only temporary. A. In the garden He asked for just one hour (Matthew 26:40)...
Failing to Live Up to It
Introduction A. Everyone knows the feeling of making a commitment and then failing to live up to it. Can you imagine how Peter felt after he forsook the Lord in the garden and then denied Him? B. When we fail to live up to the commitment that we have made to the Lord, what should we do? I. The disciples’ faith failed more than once. A. Their faith failed them on the Galilee Sea (Luke 8:22-25). B. Peter’s faith failed him on...
Perseverance
Introduction A. To persevere means to bear up under some sort of pressure that is being applied from without. B. Peter knew that the church would need a strong reserve of inner strength to survive the troublesome times ahead. I. Why do we need perseverance? A. Troublesome times are coming for all of us (2 Timothy 3:12). B. We must endure to be saved (Matthew 10:22; 24:12-13). C. We must persevere if we wish to bring forth fruit for...
Have You Done What You Could?
Introduction A. When Jesus’ death drew near, there was little anyone could do, but the Gospel speaks of a certain woman who did what she could. B. Have you done what you could? I. The Scriptures offer examples of people who did what they could. A. Rahab did what she could (Joshua 2, Hebrews 11:30). B. Ruth did what she could (Ruth 2:23). C. A certain poor widow did what she could (Luke 21:1-4). D. Paul did what he could...
Paul’s Defense
Introduction
A. When Paul made his defense in Jerusalem (his first in a long series of such), no man stood with him, but the Lord did (Acts 23:11).
B. Paul was always ready to give a defense, not just of himself, but of the Gospel that he preached with such boldness.
I. This was neither the first time nor the last that Paul had to make a defense.
A. Paul’s defense was for the Gospel (Philippians 1:17).
B. Paul had made his defense...
Matthew 2: Wisdom from the East
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem” (vs. 1). The Greek term magŏs may refer to a wise man, scholar, scientist, astronomer, interpreter, or seer (cf. Daniel 4:8-9,18). Coffman has pointed out that “[t]he translation ‘wise men’ is a fortunate rendition of the Greek term ‘magi,’ since the truly wise of all ages are indeed those who...