Introduction A. Examinations are usually unpleasant, but they are necessary. B. We know that frequent self-examinations are better, but few of us have the discipline it takes to perform them. C. Whether we examine ourselves or not, we can be sure that the devil will put us to the test (Matthew 4:1-10; 1 Corinthians 7:5). I.How can we examine ourselves? A. First, we need a reliable standard (2 Timothy 3:16-17). B. A thorough examination requires...
Stand Up for Jesus!
Introduction A. While it is easy to stand for Jesus in an assembly like this one, it can be more difficult to take a stand in a more difficult situation. B. When the time comes for us to take a stand when it matters the most, do we take a stand, or do we elect to keep our seats? I. We must stand, even when it feels like we are standing alone. A. Many of the prophets felt this way (1 Kings 19:9-18; 22:8). B. Paul was not afraid to stand alone...
Dedication
Introduction A. The Jews dedicated the temple to God’s service on several occasions in their history (2 Chronicles 7:1-6; Ezra 6:15-17; John 10:22). B. To be dedicated means to set something apart for a specific purpose (2 Chronicles 2:4) or to commit oneself to a goal at any cost. C. We may be dedicated to many trivial pursuits in life, but what really matters is how dedicated we are in our service to God. I. The Scriptures reveal some...
The God of All Comfort
Introduction A. When Jesus told His disciples He was going to the Father, He promised to send the Comforter to them (John 14:16,26). B. When Paul had so many troubles that he “despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8), he was still able to find comfort. C. Where can we go to find comfort in this troubled world? I. We can find comfort in God’s strength. A. There are times we need to be reminded of how weak we are (2 Corinthians 1:8-9; 5:1-2; 12:9)...
Open Hearts
Introduction A. In this present age we learn to guard our hearts very carefully, but if we give up on believing in anything or anyone, we lose so much. B. The truth is that there are some things that we can and must believe in; we just need the wisdom to discern what things they are (2 Corinthians 7:2-3; Galatians 4:17-18). I. We must never close our hearts to God’s Word. A. We must guard our hearts against Satan and his wiles (Acts 5:3...
The Greatest Thing
Introduction A. After dealing one-by-one with the problems in Corinth, Paul offers the solution to every problem: love (1 Corinthians 13:13). B. Paul contrasts love with other great things, and, after analyzing it thoroughly, he concludes that love excels them all. I. Paul first contrasts love with other great things (vss. 1-3). A. He contrasts it with miraculous gifts (vs. 1-2a). B. He contrasts it with faith (vs. 2b). C. He contrasts it with charity (vs. 3a)...
Sowing the Seed
Introduction In our discussion of sowing and reaping, it is imperative that we consider the evangelistic application of the seed principle as set forth in Jesus’ parable of the sower. I. There are some things that are prerequisite to effective sowing. A. The first thing one needs is good seed (Deuteronomy 22:9; cf. Matthew 13:25). B. We also need love for the proper motivation (Ephesians 4:14-15; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Philippians 1:15-17)...
Falling from Grace
Introduction A. There are many who believe that it is impossible for one to fall from the grace of God, but the Bible teaches quite to the contrary. B. It is comforting to know that God is willing to forgive if we do fall. I. Falling from grace is possible. A. Israel fell from God’s grace because of sin, and so can we (1 Corinthians 10:1-12; 9:24-27). B. An entire generation in Israel fell short of God’s promise, and we can also fall short (Hebrews...
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...
The Significance of the Resurrection
Introduction A. Recent years have seen a steady rise in the number of critics who question the miracles recorded in the Scriptures. B. Since the early days, there have been false ideas about the greatest miracle of all—the resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Timothy 2:18). I. The resurrection of Jesus rests at the core of the Gospel message. A. The resurrection was part of OT prophecy (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). B. It is supported...