Introduction A. When properly executed, the OT sacrificial system must have been a marvel, and yet Paul says it was only “a shadow of the good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1). B. These sacrifices required extensive preparation before they could be offered, and this holds true for our sacrifice as well. I. God prepared Jesus a body for the performing of His will. A. The OT sacrifices were prepared carefully according to the law prescribed...
“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...
“We Cannot But Speak”
But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations (Mark 13:9-10). The Lord promised to build His church upon a firm foundation of solid rock (Matthew 16:18). While some have been persuaded that this foundation was Peter, he himself tells...
Audio: The Book of Revelation
This is the audio of the lessons on the book of Revelation that were conducted in our Sunday Bible class...
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)...