Introduction A. There are a lot of people who can tell you what is wrong with the world, but who holds the key to setting things right? B. God’s Word is the only source we can use to rebuke the world of sin, and in it we also find the positive message that the world needs to get on the right track. I. The great reformers all relied on God’s Word for correction. A. When David saw he had done something wrong, he went to the Law to make...
Through the Eyes of the Savior
Introduction A. We like to think that we see things as they really are, but do we? B. We don’t see things the same way God does, but in the gospels we get a glimpse at the world through the Savior’s eyes. I. Jesus always saw things differently. A. Where the twelve saw a Samaritan woman in a hostile place, Jesus saw a thirsty soul and a field that was ready to harvest (John 4:5-10,39-42). B. Where the Jews saw the consequence...
Profitable for Doctrine
Introduction A. If we didn’t have the Bible, think of all we wouldn’t know. B. Paul tells us of four things essential to our spiritual wellbeing for which the inspired Scriptures are profitable (2 Timothy 3:16). C. The first of these is doctrine, that is, what we are to teach. I. We cannot base doctrine on human traditions or commands. A. This was the problem that Jesus had with the Pharisees (Matthew 15:1-6). B. This was also the problem with gener...
Thanks Be to God!
Introduction A. This week the United States observes the Thanksgiving holiday—a holiday that enjoys a rich tradition both here and around the world. B. Nobody on this Earth has more for which to be thankful than do God’s children (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Ephesians 5:3-4). I. I am thankful for God’s constant provision. A. I am thankful for the daily physical sustenance that God provides (1 Corinthians 14:16-18; 2 Corinthians 9:10; Matthew...
Love
Introduction A. Of all the marvelous things with which God has blessed mankind, love is without a doubt the greatest (1 Corinthians 13:13). B. Is it any wonder then that Peter would save this for last in his list of virtues to add to our Christian character? C. You might be a loving person, but there is always room to grow. I. When we talk about love, what are we talking about? A. Learning how to love is a process of slow and steady growth...
“Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled” (Part 1)
Introduction A. Never has there been a time void of troubles. B. In spite of the troubling circumstances that the disciples faced, Jesus told them, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). C. Even though we may be living in troubled times, there is no need for us to have troubled hearts. I. In troubled times, we must keep the faith. A. Jesus told His disciples, “You believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). B. Although this was a...
Born Again
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...
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...
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...