Introduction A. You can find the phrase on bumper stickers and billboard all across the United States: “United we stand; divided we fall.” B. While we loath the thought of the division of this country, what about the church Jesus consecrated with His own blood? I. Division never begins with God. A. God hates division (Malachi 2:16; Proverbs 6:19). B. God is the Author of peace, not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33; James 1:13-17)...
Matthew 5: The Blessed of God
The Sermon on the Mount begins in Matthew 5 and extends to chapter 7. Many consider it to be the greatest sermon ever preached. In fact, this sermon has been the most often and extensively quoted section in Scripture by Christian writers from the first until the fourth centuries (Quarles, 2011, p. 2). New Testament scholar and historian, Luke T. Johnson, pointed out that “the Sermon on the Mount has been considered an epitome of the teaching...
Calvary’s Contradictions
Introduction A. The accounts of the crucifixion abound with paradox and irony that create contrast surpassing anything in uninspired literature. B. These remarkable contrasts help bring into sharp relief the love, humility, and holiness of the One Who died for our redemption. I. On Calvary we see tremendous contrasts. A. We see purity contrasted with iniquity (Isaiah 53:9-12). B. We see humility contrasted with vanity (John 19:10; Isaiah 53:7...
Problems in Corinth
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...
A Living Sacrifice
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...