Introduction A. There is no way to know exactly what Nicodemus expected from this interview with Jesus, but one could safely deduce that he was shocked to learn that he himself needed to be born again! B. There are many to whom this news still comes as a shock today, and there are precious few who are willing to submit to it. I. Nicodemus didn’t realize that the need for rebirth is universal.A. The fact that the Gentiles needed to be...
Thanksgiving
Introduction A. Have you ever been amazed at how richly God has blessed you (Genesis 32:10; 48:11)? B. When God blesses us “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20), how do we begin to thank Him? I. We can thank God by praising Him. A. We can thank Him in song (Psalm 18:49; 92:1; 100:4; Ephesians 5:18-20; James 5:13). B. We can thank Him in prayer (Nehemiah 11:17; 12:27; Daniel 6:10). II. We can...
Do You Understand?
Introduction A. Misunderstandings can sometimes be comical, but at other times they can have devastating effects in our jobs, relationships, etc. B. The consequences of misunderstandings could never be more serious than they are when they pertain to our faith. I. Jesus was often misunderstood. A. People misunderstood His words (John 2:19-21; 3:3-4; 4:10-15; 7:35; 8:26-27). B. Often even His own disciples did not understand...
An Ungrateful Nation
Introduction A. Last week we celebrated Veterans Day to show our thanks to those who have served in our country’s armed forces. B. Of all the people in the world, surely we have the most for which to be grateful. C. How well do we show our gratitude to God for His blessings? I. Which city do we resemble more? A. The people of Keilah were ready to betray the man who risked his life to save them (1 Samuel 23:1-14). B. By contrast, the...
Brotherly Kindness
Introduction A. Of all the virtues we are to add to our character, brotherly love seems to be the most natural.B. We should not conclude, however, that it is always easy to show the kind of love for our brethren that God expects. I. Brotherly love doesn’t always come easily. A. The Old Testament is filled with examples of sibling rivalries, such as Cain and Abel (Genesis 4), as well as Amnon and Absalom (2 Samuel 13). B. Even Paul did not...
If I Were Satan
Introduction A. The Hebrew word Satan literally means “adversary.” B. Our enemy knows exactly what we must do to escape from his clutches, and he will do everything within his power to defeat us. I. If I were Satan, I would try to keep you out of the church. A. Satan knows that one must be a member of the Lord’s church in order to be saved (1 Peter 3:20-21). B. This plan has been most effective (Acts 26:28; Matthew 21:31), with...
Self-Control
Introduction A. Paul once reasoned with Felix about righteousness, self-control, and judgment (Acts 24:25), but Felix never learned the lesson, and he suffered the consequences of his own intemperance in time. B. When you think about your life, what is there that you can truly control all the time besides yourself and your own actions? C. If we wish to achieve mastery in anything (especially Christianity), self-control is...
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...
Godliness
Introduction A. Because we know that this world is doomed to destruction, we ought to be careful to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:10-11). B. One who is godly is one who seeks to please God by humbly submitting to His every command with all due reverence. I. Godliness in outward appearance alone is worthless. A. Our own godliness is ineffective (Isaiah 64:5-6; Acts 3:12). B. There are many who appear godly, but are not...
Knowledge
Introduction A. In spite of the fact that we are living in the information age, the level of Bible knowledge seems to be near an all-time low. B. Knowledge is vitally important to our wellbeing, particularly when it comes to our spiritual wellbeing (John 8:32). I. A lack of knowledge can have disastrous results. A. Without knowledge we are sure to perish (Hosea 4:6). B. Zeal is worthless (and even dangerous) without knowledge...