Text: 1 Chronicles 28:9 Know God “Know the God of your father” – Solomon was blessed with a good spiritual foundation, but he needed to be the man after God’s heart that his father was (cf. Acts 13:22) We cannot depend on the faith of our parents to save us (Ezekiel 18:20) – individual responsibility [...]

Text: Genesis 14 Lot had the misfortune of becoming a captive in a war that was being waged around him. Abram pursued the capturing armies, defeated them, freed Lot, then met two kings after his victory. There are several lessons we can learn from these events. Lot’s Capture (Genesis 14:8-12) Life is uncertain – Lot [...]

Text: 1 Kings 19:16 Requested a Double Portion of Elijah’s Spirit (2 Kings 2:6-14) Not referring to a greater ability to prophesy or perform miracles, but it had to do with the desire to follow in the footsteps of his master and continue his work (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17) Those who have led us are worthy [...]

Text: 1 Kings 17:1 Miracles Confirm the Spoken Word (1 Kings 17:17-24) Miracles were a sign that God was with the speaker & was confirming the message (John 3:1-2; Mark 16:15-20) Today, we have inspired testimony to lead us to faith (John 20:30-31; Romans 10:17) Who Are The Troublemakers? (1 Kings 18:17-18) Elijah was accused [...]

Text: Leviticus 10:1-3 God Must Be Treated As Holy He is worthy of such treatment (Revelation 4:11; Jeremiah 10:10; Exodus 20:2) We honor God through careful obedience (John 17:4; 14:15) What Did Nadab & Abihu Get Wrong? Strange fire “which He had not commanded them” (v. 1) — important principle of authority & silence (Hebrews [...]

Text: Amos 1:1 Amos Was a Regular Guy He was a sheepherder (Amos 1:1) — common occupation He was “not a prophet” (Amos 7:14) — he certainly prophesied (7:15), but was not formally recognized or received wages as a prophet He was not a “son of a prophet” (Amos 7:14) — he received no formal [...]

Text: Joshua 6 Follow God’s Instructions (v. 3-5) Begins with faith (v. 2) – God had already given the people the city God’s instructions are simple – easy to understand (Ephesians 3:4) and carry out (1 John 5:3) God’s instructions are unconventional – different than man’s solutions, but God’s way is always best (Isaiah 55:8-9) [...]

Text: Luke 16:19-31 Focused Only on This Life (v. 19) Nothing wrong with riches (1 Timothy 6:17) or enjoying life (Ecclesiastes 11:9) But wealth & enjoyment are not our ultimate goal (1 Timothy 6:9; Ecclesiastes 7:2-3) If we’re not careful, these can turn us away from God (Luke 8:14) This world is only temporary (1 [...]

Text: Acts 9:18-26 He Took Food and was Strengthened (v. 19) Had been fasting & praying (v. 9,11) — sign of godly sorrow After baptism, his fast ended (v. 19) — Why? … his sins were forgiven in baptism (Acts 22:16) Important — this came after baptism, not after prayer He Began to Proclaim Jesus [...]

Text: Daniel 3 Setting: Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image (v. 1), commanded all to worship it (v. 4-6). The people obeyed (v. 7), except for some Jews — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (v. 12). Nebuchadnezzar became angry and called the men before him to answer (v. 13-15). They Knew What Was Right These men did [...]