Text: Acts 24:1 Paul’s example shows us how to deal with false charges and persecution The Charges Causes division (Acts 24:5) — those who depart from the truth are the ones who cause the division, not the faithful (Jude 19) Opposes the government (Acts 24:5) — Christians are to submit to the government (Romans 13:1), [...]

Text: 2 Timothy 4:2-4 What is Sound Doctrine? The word we are to preach, the truth (2 Timothy 4:2-4) The gospel (1 Timothy 1:10-11) The words of Christ (1 Timothy 6:3) and the apostles (2 Timothy 1:13) All of God’s word (Acts 20:26-27), only God’s word (1 Peter 4:11), without changes (Galatians 1:6-7) What is [...]

Text: John 18:37-38 What is truth? It depends on our perspective. Truth can be… Comforting or Uncomfortable The word of God is intended to comfort us (1 Thessalonians 4:18) The truth is uncomfortable for some — convicts us of sin (John 16:8), exposes all of our flaws (Hebrews 4:12-13), calls us to sacrifice (Luke 9:23) [...]

Text: John 14:16-17,26; 15:26-27; 16:7-15 Who is the Holy Spirit? Not some mystical force or influence He is a person – Jesus used He, not it to refer to the Spirit (14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7,8,13,14,15) Who is Jesus Talking To? – The Apostles What Would the Holy Spirit Do? Provide help/comfort (14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7) — How? [...]

Text: Matthew 5:20 The scribes and Pharisees were the religious leaders of the day. Yet Jesus said our righteousness must surpass theirs to enter heaven. We must do more than fit in with those that the world recognizes as religious. We follow a higher standard. Murder (Matthew 5:21-24) Generally understood: Murder is wrong, those who [...]

Text: Proverbs 6:16-19 Haughty Eyes – We need humility instead (James 4:6) A Lying Tongue – We are to love and value the truth (Proverbs 23:23) Hands that Shed Innocent Blood – Every life is precious because man is made in the image of God (Genesis 9:6; 2 Peter 3:9) A Heart that Devises Wicked [...]

Text: Philippians 4:4 We are Commanded to Rejoice (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16) Wrong Reasons to Rejoice Unrighteousness (1 Corinthians 13:6) The death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11) When bad things happen to others (Proverbs 24:17) Right Reasons to Rejoice When others rejoice (Romans 12:15) When we are saved (Acts 8:39) The faithfulness of others (3 [...]

Text: John 1:14 The Word - Jesus is the word (John 1:14,17) Became Flesh - This was necessary to complete His work (Hebrews 2:14-15; 9:14; 10:10) Dwelt Among Us - Lived among men (Philippians 2:7), left us an example (1 Peter 2:21) We Saw His Glory - The apostles were eyewitnesses (2 Peter 1:16-18; 1 John 1:1-3) The Only [...]

Text: 1 John 3:18 Obey God (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3) Sacrifice Self (1 John 3:16) Put Others First (Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3-4) Help Those in Need (1 John 3:17) Speak the Truth (Ephesians 4:15) Correct Error (2 Timothy 1:13; 4:2)

Text: Acts 17:11 What Is an Eager Hearer? More than just wanting to listen Readiness or willingness of mind – James 1:21 Preaching to Eager Hearers This is the audience the truth teacher wants The false teacher cannot face the scrutiny of eager hearers What Do Eager Hearers Make? Disciples – Acts 17:12 Unity – [...]