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: 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: John 11:35 Jesus Displayed Emotion We have emotions because we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) We must control our emotions (1 Peter 5:8) Emotions are a response to conditions — they are not a goal (emotionalism) God Allows Human Suffering Jesus had the power to heal Lazarus & end his [...]

Text: Philippians 1:21-24 To Live is Christ Similar point in Galatians 2:20 We must be crucified with Christ (Romans 6:3-6) Fruitful labor (Philippians 1:22) Help others (Philippians 1:24) Live worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27) To Die is Gain Nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of this life (Ecclesiastes 11:8) — but keep things in [...]

Judas (Acts 1:15-20) Judas’ death recorded earlier (Matthew 27:3-5), but discussed here His death fulfilled Old Testament prophecy (Acts 1:20; Psalm 69:25; 109:8) He was a disciple (Acts 1:17) — Christians can betray Christ just as Judas did (Hebrews 6:6) Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) Follows accounts of great benevolence by Christians in Jerusalem (Acts [...]

Where Have We Been? Born innocent, without sin (Ecclesiastes 7:29) All who have reached an accountable age have sinned (Romans 3:23) Sin separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2; Ephesians 2:1-3) Without direction (Jeremiah 10:23) Where Are We Now? Those who have not had their sins forgiven are still in the condition described above Christians have [...]

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Four Facts of First Importance Christ died – laid down His life for our sins (John 10:18; Colossians 1:22) He was buried – shows that His death was not a hoax (Matthew 27:57-60) He was raised – first fruits of those who are asleep, gives us hope (1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 [...]

Blessed are: Those Who Read & Hear – Revelation 1:3 Those Who Heed the Words of This Book – Revelation 22:7 Those Invited to the Marriage Supper – Revelation 19:9 Those Who Wash Their Robes – Revelation 22:14 Those Who Have a Part in the First Resurrection – Revelation 20:6 Those Who Stay Awake and [...]

Thievery – John 12:1-8 Betrayal – Matthew 26:47-49 Suicide – Matthew 27:3-5

Text: Joshua 1:2 Death is Certain – “Moses…is dead” (Hebrews 9:27) Be a Faithful Servant in Life – “Moses My servant is dead” (Hebrews 11:24-29) Next Generation Must Be Trained – “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise” (Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:2)