Seasonal Preaching

The Hebrew epistle is addressed to Christians experiencing difficult times of adversity. They were being persecuted for their faith. They allowed this to shrink their faith. They had  “forgotten the exhortation which speaks to [them] as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges ever...

What does the Bible say about alcohol? Is there a defense for even the moderate consumption of alcohol? The Bible is clear on this subject, and we must listen to God’s warnings.

After the death of Stephen, a great persecution arose against the church. This scattered the brethren, who then went about preaching the gospel. In Acts 8, the gospel reached Samaria. There are several lessons to learn from the account.

What does the Bible say about alcohol? Is there a defense for even the moderate consumption of alcohol? The Bible is clear on this subject, and we must listen to God’s warnings.

What does the Bible say about alcohol? Is there a defense for even the moderate consumption of alcohol? The Bible is clear on this subject, and we must listen to God’s warnings.

What does the Bible say about alcohol? Is there a defense for even the moderate consumption of alcohol? The Bible is clear on this subject, and we must listen to God’s warnings.

When a man came to Jesus with a request showing his preoccupation with earthly matters, Jesus spoke a parable to impress him that life is not about these things. Life is about being rich toward God (cf. Luke 12:13-21)

The Bible stresses the importance of a heart fully surrendered and devoted to God. Everything God requires us to be necessitates a changed heart. Is our heart what it should be?

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”  (James 2:13) It is a tremendous blessing that God’s mercy is more powerful than His judgment. If it was just His judgment we would all be lost.

James speaks of a faith that is  “made perfect”  (James 2:22). What is perfect faith? The entire chapter of James 2 demonstrates this kind of faith.

What does the Bible say about dancing? Is it a sin? Is it acceptable? Is dancing an activity Christians are allowed to participate in, or even be associated with?

“Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” (Acts 9:31)

Paul exhorted the Roman brethren to respond to God’s mercies by making themselves a living sacrifice (cf. Romans 12:1-2). What is the spiritual life of service to God which He requires?

“So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.” (Genesis 29:20) This description of Jacob’s love for Rachel shows the power of committed love.

“Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.” (Psalm 73:1) The Psalm pictures a struggle of faith. There is doubt concerning the way of righteousness when the wicked are seen to prosper. But in a time of doubt, God is sought, and faith increases.

Christians are to act differently than the world, especially when it comes to being confronted with evil, and offenses. Instead of retaliating, Christians are to do good, and let God take care of the vengeance. In doing so, we ensure evil will be overcome, and not made worse. (Romans 12:17-21)

The Lord provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice instead of Isaac. Abraham called the place, “The Lord Will Provide” (Genesis 22:13-14). The Lord will always provide for his people.

Jesus taught the disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). This was proper at the time because the kingdom was still in the future. The scripture is clear that the kingdom came, and that it now is.

When asked about divorce, Jesus went all the way to the beginning to establish God’s intention for the institution of marriage (cf. Matthew 19:1-10). What is the rule of marriage? What significance does God’s joining the two together have? What does Jesus say about divorce?

Before giving a detailed consideration of Christ’s High Priesthood, the Hebrew writer had to admonish his readers for their negligence in spiritual growth (cf. Hebrews 5:12-14; 6). Ironically, the subject he would find it difficult to explain to them because of their immaturity was the very thing that could help them through their tough situation. Growth accesses God’s grace which gives us assuran...

Instead of turning to God in the face of Assyrian threat, Judah turned to a refuge of lies (Isaiah 28:14-15). Their plan failed miserably, and is reserved for us to learn from. We must not turn to any other refuge than God, for everything else is a refuge of lies.

Each disciple has circumstances and stages of life that are unique challenges to them. These can be used by Satan against us and our faith. However, God expects for us to be faithful, and strengthens us to serve Him wherever we may find ourselves.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2) We need the Lord’s help to get to heaven. His help ensures we remain faithful and ready for judgment.

“Why should you be stricken again? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faints. From the sole of the foot even to the head, There is no soundness in it, But wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; They have not been closed or bound up, Or soothed with ointment.” (Isaiah 1:5-6) The description of Judah’s condition in Isaiah acts as a warning for us about what...

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11, NASB). The appearance of God’s grace changed the world, and has the power to change lives. What does God’s grace do? How does it relate to us? We should understand and value the grace of God as scripture reveals it.