Introduction A. In the world that Jesus lived in, signs of division were everywhere, even in the temple itself. B. As people who still live in a world full of division, we can testify that division is more often detrimental than beneficial. Discussion I. When God joins things together, man should not divide them. A. God joins body and spirit (Genesis 2:7; James 2:26). B. God has joined faith and works in His plan of salvation (James 2:14-26)...
Saving the Seed
Introduction A. Have you ever considered all of the things that had to fall into place in order for you to be here today? B. When you look at the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1), how unlikely does it seem that He would ever live? I. Even through turbulent times, God preserved the Seed. A. God made this promise to Eve (Genesis 3:15). B. Through some sixty generations and numerous crises, God was successful in preserving the precious...
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...
Just and Justifier
Introduction
A. The third chapter of Romans probably comes closer than any other single chapter to summarizing Paul’s message.
B. One of the most extraordinary points about God’s plan for redeeming man lies in His ability to justify sinners while maintaining His own justice at the same time.
I. Man has a problem.
A. Man’s problem is sin (1 John 3:4).
B. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
C. The problem...
Cleansing the Leper
Introduction
A. Although it is easily curable today, leprosy is a disease that adversely affects skin and nerve tissue, resulting in permanent disabilities.
B. While leprosy has been virtually eliminated in the modern world, there is another plague that is silently killing millions every year.
C. The cure for this disease is also available, but few will seek it.
I. God gave Israel specific laws regarding leprosy.
A. First, God gave...
What Is a Christian?
Introduction
A. Most dictionaries define the word “Christian” as “a person who believes in the doctrines of Jesus and acknowledges his divinity.”
B. While man’s definitions of a Christian are diverse and conflicting, the only definition that matters is God’s, for He invented the word.
C. In fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 62:2), God gave His people a new name (Acts 11:26)—“Christian.” What does it mean to be a...
Saul’s Conversion
Introduction
A. Saul set out for Damascus with the intention of arresting all the Christians he could find in the synagogues there, but when he arrived, he preached that Jesus is the Christ.
B. When Saul of Tarsus was converted, he left no room for doubt in anyone’s mind that he was changed forever.
I. In Saul’s conversion, we see a dramatic change in him.
A. There was a change in his perspective (Acts 26:9)...
A Mansion Over the Hilltop
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know (John 14:1-4, KJV).
After a recent hospital visit, I found a...
What Is Impossible for God?
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but...
God’s Masterpiece
Introduction
A. There are many human works that are regarded as masterpieces.
B. If God painted a masterpiece of His own, what would it look like?
I. God applied the first strokes of His masterpiece in the creation.
A. God’s original creation was stunning (Genesis 1:25).
B. Man was the crown jewel of God’s creative work (Genesis 1:26-31).
C. God committed His beautiful masterpiece to a canvas of human flesh...