Introduction A. When Paul came to Corinth on his second missionary journey, he was surely distressed and perhaps not far from giving up. B. The Lord gave Paul the reassurance he needed (Acts 18:6-10). C. Paul’s love for the church in Corinth shines through in his first letter to them as he gives them the key to solving their problems. I. The church in Corinth was facing many problems. A. There were problems with factions (1 Corinthians...
The Way of the Cross
Introduction A. Every year thousands of tourists visit the Via Dolorosa. B. Although the actual road Jesus walked has been lost to time, the way that leads to heaven has been perfectly preserved (John 14:1-6). I. The way of the cross was charted in remote antiquity. A. This road was to follow a course predetermined by God (Acts 2:23; 4:28; Revelation 13:8). B. The course of this road was announced in prophecy (Genesis 12:3; 21:12; 25:23...
Saving Israel
Introduction A. Paul often expressed his desire for Israel to obtain salvation (Romans 1:16; 9:23; 10:1; 11:13-14). Shouldn’t we desire the same? B. Paul says that they could be saved (Romans 11:1,17-24) and that they would be saved if they would turn to Christ (11:25-26). I. Let’s consider some sermons that reached many of the Jews. A. Peter’s sermon convinced 3,000 Jews to be baptized in Jesus’ name (Acts 2). B. Although Stephen’s sermon...
“Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth”
Introduction A. If it is possible to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), this implies that it is also possible to wrongly divide it. B. Rightly dividing the Word is a skill that can only be mastered through constant and careful study. I. Rightly dividing the Word requires diligence. A. The concept of diligence implies not only haste (cf. Luke 2:16; 19:5-6), but also care (2 Corinthians 7:12; 8:16). B. Because I will stand before God one day...
Faith by Hearing
Introduction A. Much like faith, the wind is not a thing which can be seen, but its effects can be both seen and heard (John 3:8). B. Furthermore, just as the source of the wind was a mystery to Nicodemus (John 3:10), the source of faith is a mystery to most. I. There are many mistaken ideas regarding the source of faith. A. Faith cannot be inherited (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15). B. Faith does not come by miracle (cf. Acts 4:4). C. Faith...
The Pillar and Ground of the Truth
Introduction A. As grand as the foundations were of the temple that Herod built in Jerusalem, the foundation of the Lord’s church is far greater still (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20). B. Paul tells us that the church is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), and as such, it is our mission to uphold God’s truth in a world that is filled with deceit. I. While on this Earth, Jesus upheld the truth. A. This was part of His mission...
Exchanging the Truth for the Lie
Introduction A. When God created the world, He provided everything essential to man’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual welfare. B. Although the tree of knowledge might not seem to fit, the power of choice was critical to the exercise of man’s spirituality. C. It was not long after creation until man bought the first of the devil’s lies, and man has been doing so ever since. I. The devil’s lies are typically well-dressed and attractive...
Predestination
Introduction A. The biblical doctrine of predestination is one that has been often misinterpreted. B. Do the Scriptures teach that our eternal fate is sealed before we are born regardless of what we do in this life? I. The Bible does teach predestination. A. There are some predestined to be part of the family of God (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:5-6, 11-12). B. Those who are predestined by God are those who have been justified by faith...
What Is Truth?
Introduction A. When Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” he had no idea that He was looking at the answer to his own question. B. Solomon said, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23). C. The greatest quest that one can undertake in life is the quest for “words of truth” (Ecclesiastes 12:10). I. What does the Bible tell us about the truth? A. Jesus identifies Himself (John 14:6) and the Scriptures (John 17:17; cf. Psalm 119:160)...
The Righteousness of God
Introduction
Since we are all guilty before God because of sin, justification is a theme that ought to be important to all of us: this is the theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans.
I. Man’s righteousness is worthless.
A. Such righteousness is nothing more than “filthy rags” before God (Isaiah 64:6-9; cf. Romans 10:1-4).
B. Because our own righteousness is worthless, we must seek God’s righteousness instead (Matthew 5:20; 6:33)...