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: 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: 1 Corinthians 11:16-34 Churches of God (v. 16) Similar to Paul’s mention of the “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) Can we do anything we want as long as the congregation agrees to it? … No — we’re still accountable to God/Christ Required to act by His authority (Colossians 3:17) This is why sound churches [...]

An Overview of the Book of James Faith is Demonstrated by: Our Words and Deeds Our works demonstrate our faith (2:16-17,24) It is manifest in our speech (1:26; 3:,9-10) This is a reflection of our heart (3:11-12) Our Approach to God’s Word God uses His word to call us and to save us (1:18) Receive [...]

Text: Romans 14 What We Must Understand As We Begin: Controversy: Does Romans 14 allow ongoing fellowship with those in sin/error? We can understand this (Ephesians 3:4) Scripture does not contradict itself (John 10:35) What Does This Chapter Teach & What Does It Not Teach? Don’t judge others’ opinions by your opinions. NOT: Don’t judge. (v. [...]

Text: Nehemiah 4 We Will Face Opposition (v. 1-3, 7-8) Trust in God (v. 4-5) A Mind to Work (v. 6) Pray and Act (v. 9) We Are in This Together (v. 14,20) Always Be on Guard (v. 16-23)

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 17 What did Jesus pray for? Glorification (v. 1-5) Faithfulness (v. 6-12) Sanctification (v. 13-19) Unity (v. 20-23) Salvation (v. 24) Love (v. 25)

Text: Isaiah 2:2-4 Mountain – government, authority (Daniel 2:44; John 18:36-37; Matthew 28:18) House – the church (1 Timothy 3:15), linked to the kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19) Nations – Gentiles, kingdom open to all (Acts 2:37-39; Ephesians 2:13-16) Come – individual responsibility to follow Christ (Joshua 24:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10) Teach – we must know God’s [...]

Text: Proverbs 30:24-28 The Ants Weakness – not a strong people How they compensate – prepare food in summer Lesson – make preparations for the future (Matthew 6:19-21) The Shephanim/Conies/Rock Badgers Weakness – not a mighty people How they compensate – make their home in the rocks Lesson – make our home in The Rock [...]