Text: Genesis 8-9

Noah Went Out of the Ark (Genesis 8:18-19)

• What happened before he went out? (Genesis 8:1-13) — rain stopped (8:2), water receded (8:3), ark came to rest (8:4), sent out raven (8:7), sent out dove three times (8:8-12), saw dry ground (8:13)
• Notice the timeline — entered ark (7:1-4), rains came (7:11), rains prevailed (7:24), ark rested (8:4), mountaintops were visible (8:5), Noah saw dry ground (8:13) — almost a year in the ark by this point
• Noah finally left the ark (8:14) — several weeks after obtaining evidence that the earth was inhabitable
• What was Noah waiting for? … God’s instruction (8:15-19) — lesson for us on authority (Colossians 3:17) and a warning against presumptuousness (Proverbs 14:12)

Noah Built an Altar (Genesis 8:20)

• This was the first thing Noah did — worshipping God is a priority (Psalm 122:1)
• This was an expression of gratitude — every acceptable sacrifice naturally involves gratitude (Hebrews 12:28)
• Sacrificed of every clean animal & bird; he did not withhold anything — lesson for us to serve God wholeheartedly (Romans 12:1)

God’s Promise & Covenant (Genesis 8:21-22; 9:9-17)

• Promise of His ongoing providence (8:22) — God created a world in which man can survive (Acts 14:17)
• This promise was made despite man’s corruption (8:21) — He blesses the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 5:45)
• Promise regarding destruction (9:9-17) — the earth would not be destroyed again by water, but it will be destroyed again one day (2 Peter 3:6-10)

Noah Planted a Vineyard (Genesis 9:20-21)

• By God’s providence the vineyard was fruitful (8:22) — acting as He created it (Genesis 1:11-12)
• But it is possible to use God’s blessings improperly (1 Timothy 5:23; 1 Peter 4:3)

Read the article: After the Flood

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Ways in which individuals and local congregations can spread the gospel in their area:

Open Assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:23-25)

• This is typically the most consistently practiced method, yet one we sometimes forget in this context
• Our assemblies should be open to visitors such that they feel welcome attending (James 2:2-4)
• The benefit of having one visit the regular assembly is that he can be “convicted” and “called to account” (1 Corinthians 14:24) — this is done by the clear teaching of the gospel (1 Corinthians 14:6-9)

Members Inviting (John 1:43-46)

• Open assemblies allow a visitor to come who is unfamiliar with the church — but it can be very helpful for one to be invited by someone they know
• Philip invited Nathanael to come see Jesus — he did not wait until interest was expressed; in fact, only the reaction skepticism
• Philip’s invitation came after he started talking about Jesus — we should try to work certain topics into our conversations that could provide an opening for us to offer an invitation to the assembly or a Bible study

Private Studies (Acts 8:26-39)

• Private studies have an advantage in that they can be geared specifically for the individual — Philip started where the eunuch was already studying & addressed his question (Acts 8:34-35)
• Regardless of the starting point, the primary goal is Christ — we want to lead them to salvation, not just satisfy their curiosity (2 Corinthians 5:11)
• Philip made sure the eunuch knew he was interested in helping him (Acts 8:30)

Public Teaching/Lectures (Acts 19:8-10)

• Private one-on-one studies can be effective, but public teaching can have a much broader reach — two years of public teaching in Ephesus resulted in “all who lived in Asia” hearing the gospel
• To be effective, public teaching needs a location that is open & allows the truth to be taught freely, and regular meeting times so people can know when to come and plan on it — this is what Paul had when he met in the school of Tyrannus
• Advantage over regular assemblies — for other religious people, it does not conflict with their prior religious commitments so they may be more likely to come

Seed Planting (1 Corinthians 3:6)

• We can plant & water the seed, but God causes the growth
• We scatter the seed wherever we can (Luke 8:5-8)

Read the article: Sounding Forth the Word

Text: Matthew 7:21-23

Not Everyone Will Enter the Kingdom

• Jesus stated simply in this sermon that not all will be saved (Matthew 7:21, 13-14)
• It is not because He does not want all to be saved — He does (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9)
• The fault lies with man

The Role of Faith

• Jesus is speaking of people who call Him “Lord” — not everyone will believe (Romans 10:16-18, 21); faith is essential for salvation (Hebrews 11:6)
• But as important as faith is, there is more that is necessary for salvation than that
• Some believed but wouldn’t confess (John 12:42-43) — no salvation without confession (Romans 10:9-10)
• Some believe but have no works (James 2:18-20) — no salvation without works (James 2:24)

The Role of Obedience

• Calling Jesus “Lord” implies more than just a mental acknowledgement of His existence — it implies authority (Matthew 28:18-20); expectation of our submission (Luke 6:46)
• Obedience is also necessary for salvation (Hebrews 5:9) — faith and works work together (James 2:21-24)

Many Will Do Things in the Name of Christ

• Claiming to do this does not necessarily mean our actions are divinely approved
• They prophesied in His name, proclaiming a message that they claimed was from God — many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1)
• They cast out demons in His name, helping others overcome what was plaguing them — to remove a problem & not fill the spot with the truth of Christ invites a bigger problem (Matthew 12:43-45)
• They performed miracles in His name, doing great works that would amaze and excite people — miracles don’t produce faith (Luke 10:13), only the word does (Romans 10:17); focus on the word (Acts 17:2-3), not amazing & exciting the crowds

Many Will Be Told to Depart

• Why? … They’re practicing lawlessness
• Many today would believe these people were saved — they believed in Jesus & did works in His name
• But the works they were doing were not according to the will of God
• If we want to be saved, we must follow the Lord in faithful obedience

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 contentment (Philippians 4:11-13)
• Sleep implies peace (Matthew 6:25-34)

Sleep of Slothfulness

• Slothfulness leads to poverty (Proverbs 20:13; 6:6-11) — sleep is good, but the sluggard sleeps too long (Proverbs 6:9)
• Slothfulness gets progressively worse (Proverbs 26:13-16)
• Wastes what little time we have (Ephesians 5:16) — some things must be done now and cannot be put off (Proverbs 28:19; 20:4)

Sleep of Unpreparedness (Revelation 3:1-3)

• Unprepared to the threat of sin (1 Peter 5:8)
• Unprepared to the threat of false teaching (Romans 16:17-18)
• Unprepared for our own death (Luke 12:19-20)
• Unprepared for Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:1-8)

Sleep of Death

• Death is often described as “sleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) — emphasizes temporary nature of death (Hebrews 9:27)
• This sleep provides rest from our labors (Revelation 14:13)
• Leads to rest for the faithful (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), not the wicked (Revelation 14:11)

Text: James 1:13-16

Three Ways in Which We Are Tested’

• Trials — dealt with in previous lesson
• Temptations (external) — someone tried to tempt you to sin
• Temptations (internal) — you desire to sin

Do Not Say, “I Am Being Tempted by God”

• Man has a tendency to blame others for his own actions (Genesis 3:11-12) — but God is never to be blamed
• God cannot be tempted by evil — He is perfect in His nature (1 John 1:5)
• God does not tempt anyone — sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2), God wants us to repent (2 Peter 3:9); tempting us would be counterproductive to His purpose
• Do not be deceived (James 1:16) — good things come from God without variation (James 1:17)

Danger of Internal Temptations

• James describes the process of internal temptation (James 1:13-15) — ultimately leads to eternal punishment (Romans 6:23)
• While we are being tempted, we must fight the urge to sin — but there is more to it than that
• We should strive not just to resist temptation, but eliminate the lust that is at the root of temptation — change the way we think (Romans 8:6), change our perspective (1 John 2:15-17), our life-long mission is to become more like God/Christ (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 2:21-22)

Danger of External Temptation

• An example of this is in Satan’s tempting of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)
• These temptations happen all the time — but without lust on our part, we’re not going to give in
• But there is a danger in these temptations — over time they can influence us to sin (1 Corinthians 15:33), we can start to see the “benefits” of sin (Genesis 3:6; Hebrews 11:24-25), as we conform to the world we adopt these sins (Romans 12:2)

Conclusion

• “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial…” (James 1:12) — we will be tested by trials & temptations and we must remain faithful
• There is a reward if we do — a crown of life (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:8)

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 1:4), produces an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:16-17), power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

“Testing of Your Faith”

• The faith of the Christian gives him an advantage over the one without faith — both will suffer, but by faith we know we have something to look forward to (Hebrews 11:13-16)
• Testing of our faith can come in various forms — persecution, temptation to sin, common trials

“Produces Endurance”

• Makes us stronger — strength is an essential trait of a Christian (Ephesians 6:10)
• Faith is a life-long commitment (Revelation 2:10; Matthew 24:13) — requires endurance (Hebrews 12:1)

“Let Endurance Have its Perfect Result”

• Faithful obedience — examples of the faithful in Hebrews 11
• Christlikeness (Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:21-24)
• Wisdom (James 1:5)
• Ultimately, heaven (Matthew 24:13)

The answer to this question could be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ depending on what one has in mind. This lesson will examine three things: the church of Christ, a church of Christ, and “Church of Christ.”

The Church of Christ

• This is simply the church that belongs to Christ — He would build it (Matthew 16:18), purchase it (Acts 20:28), and be the head over it (Colossians 1:18)
• This church is made up of all those who are saved (Acts 2:47)
• Sometimes referred to by other names — kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13), body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24), church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23), brotherhood (1 Peter 2:17)

A Church of Christ

• This is a local congregation made up of those who are part of the universal church — only one universal church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4), but many local churches (Romans 16:16)
• These churches will have a uniform doctrine (1 Corinthians 4:17) — disciples taught to observe all that Christ commanded (Matthew 28:20), this includes His instructions regarding the church (Acts 1:1-3)
• These churches have a particular work to do — evangelism (1 Timothy 3:15), edification (Ephesians 4:11-12, 16), and limited benevolence (Acts 4:32-35; 11:29-30)
• These churches would worship in a certain way — teaching (1 Corinthians 14:26), giving (1 Corinthians 16:2), Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), prayer (1 Corinthians 14:15), singing (Ephesians 5:19)
• These churches would be organized in a certain way — elders (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7), deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13); they would be autonomous (1 Peter 5:2)

“Church of Christ”

• Here the phrase is used as an adjective — “Church of Christ” preacher, “Church of Christ” building, we are “Church of Christ”
• If we are not part of a denomination, then this is not accurate — gospel preacher, church building, we are Christians
• It is possible to have a proper name but still be wrong (Revelation 3:1) — a denomination can use this Scriptural term
• What would have to be true for us to be part of a denomination — we unite upon a standard other than the word of God (John 17:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:13), we claim allegiance to someone/something other than Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12)

Text: Judges 19:30

Following the rape and abuse that led to the death of a Levite’s concubine, a message was sent out to all the tribes of Israel to take note of what occurred and deal with the situation. This type of event had not been experienced by anyone in the recent generations. So they had a three step plan to decide how to move ahead.

Consider It

• What is going on?
• What is the problem?
• What circumstances currently exist?

Take Counsel

• What does God say about the matter?
• Determine the right way to move ahead

Speak Up

• Make the truth known
• Know the truth well enough to defend it
• Be bold & prepare for opposition

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 is a universal call (Acts 2:38-39)
• It is an invitation (Revelation 22:17)
• Limited time frame — after death we will no longer be able to answer the call (Luke 16:22-23,26); after Jesus’ return, the invitation is closed (Matthew 25:6-13)

The Call of Death

• The call from life to death
• Human beings will not live forever here on the earth (1 Corinthians 15:22)
• The time of this call is uncertain (James 4:14; 2 Peter 3:10)

The Call of the Resurrection

• The call from death to life
• The time is coming when all from the graves will come forth (John 5:28-29)
• The Lord will descend from heaven & all will be raised (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
• All will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22)

The Call to Judgment

• The call to either eternal life or eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46)
• This call is for everyone (2 Corinthians 5:10)
• We will be judged according to what we have done (Revelation 22:12)
• The righteous will have access to the tree of life (Revelation 22:14)
• The wicked will be lost (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 8:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

(This outline is based upon another one by A.W. Dicus.)

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)
• We must understand our inability to deal with our sins apart from God (Romans 5:6,8)
• We must understand our aimlessness without God (Jeremiah 10:23)

Great Faith Recognizes the Power of Jesus (v. 6-7)

• Jesus’ power over Creation (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17) — already demonstrated His power to heal (Luke 4:40)
• The power of Jesus’ word (Hebrews 4:12)

Great Faith Recognizes the Authority of Jesus (v. 8)

• Jesus as one under authority (Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 26:39)
• Jesus as one with authority (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:20-23)
• Our responsibility to obey (James 2:17-18,26; Colossians 3:17)