Text: Ephesians 4:1 A call is an invitation to something — some are optional, some are not. The NT describes at least four of these calls — the first is optional, the other three are not. The Gospel Call The call from condemnation to salvation We are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14) It [...]

Text: Luke 7:2-10 What prompted Jesus to say, “Not even in Israel have I found such great faith” (Luke 7:9)? Let us consider what Jesus describes as “great faith.” Great Faith Recognizes One’s Own Unworthiness (v. 6-7) We must understand our insignificance in Creation (Psalm 8:3-4) We must understand our state as sinners (Romans 3:23) [...]

Text: Acts 6:1-7 Why the Widows? Earlier the poor in general were helped (Acts 4:32-35) — here the widows specifically were served (Acts 6:1), implying ongoing care that was provided them The church was to provide ongoing care & support to certain widows (1 Timothy 5:3,9-10) Why not other widows? … They had others to [...]

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:17 Those Who Peddle the Word They corrupt the word — changing the things in it (Galatians 1:6-9) and leaving things out of it (Acts 20:27) They adulterate the word — mixing in the commands, traditions, and opinions of men (Colossians 2:20-23; Matthew 15:6-9; Romans 14:1) There are “many” who do this [...]

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Petty Conflicts Source of unnecessary strife between faithful Christians Different than matters of sin, error, matters of personal judgment, and rumors/gossip (though this sometimes goes along with these conflicts) These petty conflicts could be caused by any number of things — we’ll notice a few in this lesson First, Some Things [...]

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: 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 How we handle a misunderstanding on the part of a preacher or teacher will depend upon the nature of the misunderstanding. In every case it should be dealt with appropriately and in love. Growing in Knowledge Growth is a continual process — even for a preacher/teacher of the gospel It is [...]

Text: Romans 16:25-27 God is able to establish us through His word. Here, Paul describes the word of God in several different ways, showing how it is able to establish us The Gospel “Good news” — the message is beneficial to us Man is enslaved to sin (John 8:24; Hebrews 2:15) — the gospel announces [...]

Text: Luke 13:1-5 When disasters occur (terrorist attacks, hurricanes, earthquakes, accidents etc.), people often wonder if/how God was involved, and if these events occurred as a sort of divine judgment against the victims/nation. It is important that we know why these events happen & what these events can teach us. Why These Things Happen Divine [...]