Text: 2 Peter 3:18 Read The will of God has been revealed & preserved in the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) Knowledge will not be given to us miraculously – those days are over (1 Corinthians 13:8-10) The most basic way to gain knowledge of God’s word is to read it – make it a priority [...]

Text: Job 31 A Covenant was Made (Job 31:1) This requires understanding – knowing the difference between right & wrong We must make a decision – once we know what is right, we must choose to do it A covenant involves a long-term commitment – this is not a trend or a fad; our character [...]

Text: Colossians 1:9-10 Walk in Newness of Life (Romans 6:4) This follows baptism (Romans 6:3-4) — in baptism we become free from sin (Romans 6:17-18) We are to be different than the old self (Romans 6:6) — repentance We are to be different than the world (Romans 12:2) — live by a higher standard Walk [...]

Sleep of Physical Rest (Ecclesiastes 5:12) Sleep is good when used for its proper purpose — not for slothfulness, but as rest from a day of productivity Sleep is pleasant — lack of sleep is not pleasant, good, or desirable (2 Corinthians 11:27) Sleep of the working man (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 9:10) Sleep implies [...]

Text: James 1:2-4 “When You Encounter Various Trials” These trials are different than the temptations mentioned later (James 1:13-15) James says, “when,” not “if” — this is a certainty “Consider it All Joy” Not a natural reaction — this is why James had to tell them to do this Suffering has benefits — endurance (James [...]

Text: Luke 8:15 What The Honest & Good Heart Will Do Hear the word — interested in the truth (Luke 8:8), seeking answers (Matthew 7:7) Be honest — examine what is taught to see if it is the truth (Acts 17:11), examine himself (2 Corinthians 13:5) Do what is right — completely (Acts 2:37-42), not [...]

Text: Ephesians 5:14 What Paul Says They Needed to Do Go from sleep to being awake — state of alertness Go from death to life — state of salvation Go from darkness to light — state of enlightenment Why They Needed to Do These Things If they were not alert, they were vulnerable (1 Peter [...]

Text: Mark 10:13-16 Disciples First Turned the Children Away, Then Jesus Welcomed Them — Why? They were important — even from a young age, children are to be trained in the right way (Proverbs 22:6) They provided an important reminder — “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (v. 14) Characteristics of Children [...]

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 All is Vanity Futility of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18; 2:12-17) Futility of pleasures (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 10-11) Futility of possessions (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11) Futility of labor (Ecclesiastes 2:18-26) Yet These Things Can Have Profit Profit of wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-18) Profit of pleasures (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10) Profit of possessions (Proverbs 10:15,22) Profit of labor (Proverbs 14:23) Is [...]

Text: Leviticus 19 Chapter begins with a call for holiness (v. 2; cf. 1 Peter 1:15-16) — What will holiness look like? Honor God Keep My sabbaths (v. 3,30) — consistent, ongoing action; reminded them of God’s work in creation (Exodus 20:8-11) Revere My sanctuary (v. 30) — respect the place of worship; specifically for [...]