Text: Ephesians 5:18 This is a Command Therefore, this does not mean that God miraculously fills us with the Spirit — we can obey this command How do we become filled with the Spirit? … By letting the word of Christ richly dwell within us (compare Ephesians 5:18-6:9 with Colossians 3:16-4:1) What is this verse [...]

Text: 2 Peter 1:3 Through the provisions He has given, God has made it so that each of us can faithfully serve Him, regardless of what others might choose to do. This is not to say that we should not work together, or that we cannot help one another, but rather that we must take [...]

Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 Clear Distinction Between Old & New Laws Many people blur the lines between the OT & NT – yet the Bible presents a clear distinction between the two New & better covenant was coming (Jeremiah 31:31-34) – old was obsolete (Hebrews 8:13) Old law was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14) [...]

Text: Matthew 24:36 They Want to Know What God Knows This is how the first sin was committed — Eve wanted to have knowledge that was exclusive to God (Genesis 3:1-6) We need to be content with what God has revealed (Deuteronomy 29:29) God has given us everything pertaining to life & godliness (2 Peter [...]

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: 2 Corinthians 13:8 What can we do that would benefit or support the truth? Learn the truth (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15) Believe the truth (Hebrews 11:1;  Timothy 1:12) Practice the truth (James 2:26; 1 Peter 1:22) Teach the truth (1 Peter 3:15) Defend the truth (Philippians 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5) Encourage the [...]

Text: Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful Counselor Jesus is the great teacher (Matthew 7:28-29) His message is of divine origin (John 12:49-50) His words lead to eternal life (John 5:24; 6:68) Mighty God Power of Jesus displayed in Creation (Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16) While on earth, Jesus demonstrated power over creation (Matthew 8:26-27) The deity of Christ [...]

Text: 1 Kings 1:38-40 Forgiveness of God Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba (1:11), well-known for her affair with David (2 Samuel 11) Punishment — the child born to Bathsheba would die (2 Samuel 12:14) This child died (2 Samuel 12:15-18) — the next child, Solomon, did not (2 Samuel 12:24), but rather became king When God [...]

Text: Ezekiel 3:1-21 Our Commission We do not have the same commission as Ezekiel did The Great Commission was given to the apostles (Mark 16:15) and was fulfilled (Colossians 1:23) Our responsibility is to live & serve God and teach about Him wherever we are “Eat This Scroll” (v. 1) — the scroll represented the [...]

Text: Matthew 4:23 The Announcement Jesus came preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23) This had been planned for a long time (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:2-4) The Kingdom at Hand The establishment of the kingdom was close (Matthew 3:2; 4:17) If we are still waiting for the kingdom, as some claim, then was Jesus [...]