Seasonal Preaching

Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in John 4 provides insight into the mind of God concerning His thoughts on worhsip. The Samaritans and Jews had fundamental differences in their approach to the worship of God. Jesus' answer to the woman concerning this important subject is relevant to us today.

Every year in November we celebrate the beloved holiday of Thanksgiving. Christians need to realize that thanksgiving is not a day of the year, but an indispensable virtue of the faith in which we are called to walk -  "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ) As we give thanks to God each day He transforms us spiritually.

As Joseph approached his brothers who hated him, they mocked him saying,  "Look, this dreamer is coming!"  ( Genesis 37:19 ) ("Lit. master of dreams," NKJV fn) As the account progresses, it becomes apparent that Joseph only ever revealed what God had revealed to him. Yet, despite his honest actions he was rejected and assaulted. Those who reveal the truth are often treated like...

"The Lord's Supper"  ( 1 Corinthians 11:20 ), or  "the table of the Lord"  ( 1 Corinthians 10:21, NASB ) is the memorial observed on a weekly basis by the Lord's church according to His command. The memorial is rich with significance for the individual child of God, and for the collective body. 

Jews in Thessalonica resisted the gospel and became violently opposed to Paul and Silas. Not finding them, they dragged their host, Jason, to the city rulers and stated,  "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harbored them"  ( Acts 17:6-7 ). That Paul and Silas were disruptive is not altogether untrue. However, the gospel they preached was turning the...

In the first chapter of Colossians, Paul establishes the preeminence of Christ -  "so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything."  ( Colossians 1:18, NASB ) What does it mean that Jesus has first place in everything? What does this look like in the daily life of discipleship?

On two occasions, Jesus responded to the Pharasaic oppostions He faced by quoting  Hosea 6:6 . On one occasion He instructed them to  "go and learn what this means" ( Matthew 9:13 ). After this, He exposed their negligence, saying,  "if you had known what this means...you would not have condemned the guiltless"  ( Matthew 12:7 ).  "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And...

Jesus alluded to the  “queen of the South”  to bring shame upon the Jewish rulers who resisted His will, and the evidence supporting His claims (cf.  Matthew 12:42 ). The queen Jesus considered was of Sheba, who made a long journey to hear Solomon’s wisdom straight from the source (cf.  1 Kings 10:1-13 ). Her eagerness and diligence in seeking the wisdom of Solomon should drive us to take advantag...

Amos 7 begins a series of five visions given to the prophet by Yahweh concering the northern kingdom. The first two were of destruction, yet the Lord’s hand was stayed by the prophet’s intercession. The third described the finality of God’s decision to punish the nation due to their persistence in unfaithfulness to the covenant. A major component of the vision is that of a plumb line, representing...

In her bitter trial of barrenness and persecution, Hannah poured her heart out to the Lord in faith. When God blessed her with a son, whom she called Samuel, noting that God had heard her, she turned to God in fervent praise. Her prayer-song in  1 Samuel 2:1-10  is filled with wonderful reflections on God and His faithfulness, sovereignty, and provision.

Following his exhortation for the Philippians to work out their salvation, Paul noted the Divine activity adjoining their efforts -  "for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."  ( Philippians 2:13 ) How does God work in us? What does it mean that He works in us to will?

John's account of Jesus washing the disciples feet in the upper room provides an example of humility, service, and love that each disciple is called to engage in. Jesus answered Peter's objection to Him washing his feet,  "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”  ( John 13:8, ESV ). The  "share"  Jesus alludes to is no less a part of His grace than the washing by H...

While awaiting a decision on his case, Paul was presented an opportunity when the governor, Felix,  "sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ."  ( Acts 24:24 ) Luke records that Paul  "reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come"  (v. 25).

Amidst the rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees by Jesus in Matthew 23, He addressed a problem concerning their intense attention to small matters of the law, while failing to adhere to the weightier matters (v. 23). He likened this to straining out a gnat, but swallowing a camel (v. 24). This failure in proportion and priority should be avoided.

As Paul defends his ministry against his opponents in Corinth, he highlights how much better the New Covenant is than that from Sinai. Several contrasts are drawn, and important insight is given from a scene at Sinai in Exodus 34. What does it mean that  "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life"  ( 2 Corinthians 3:6 ).

Paul told Timothy about a coming apostasy where some would prohibit certain things God had blessed man with. He explained that  "those who believe and know the truth"  ( 1 Timothy 4:3 ) partake in these things, knowing they are from the Lord. The phrase,  "those who believe and know the truth,"  speaks of one class of people, but provides nuance. Knowing is not enough. Believin...

One of several contrasts Paul makes in Romans 8 is between the disposition of bondage, and that of adoption ( Romans 8:15 ). Rather than experiencing constant fear as those dominated by sin, and under condemnation, those in Christ are sons of God, and can call on Him accordingly. This is a blessed relationship.

Paul wrote to Philemon to encourage him to possess Christ-like character and behavior in receiving his runaway slave, now brother in Christ, Onesimus. The letter is unique, and despite its brevity, is packed with lessons to learn. The entirety is a depiction of spiritual leadership on Paul's part. Like Paul, we should lead others to faithfulness through love.

By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ.  “The fruit of the Spirit is...faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”  ( Galatians 5:22 -23).

By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ.  “The fruit of the Spirit is...faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”  ( Galatians 5:22 -23).

By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ.  "The fruit of the Spirit is...longsuffering, kindness, goodness"  ( Galatians 5:22 ).

Judah had been carried off to Babylonian captivity for their unfaithfulness, and Ezekiel prophesied to the exiles. Though their sins brought reproach upon God, for His name's sake He would bring them back to their land. A greater spiritual renewal, restoration, and revival was also in God's plan (Ezekiel 36-37).

By inspiration, the aposlte Paul lists some virtues possessed by those who are under the influence of the Holy Spirit through the word of Christ.  "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace"  ( Galatians 5:22 ).

Luke 7:36-50  records an incredible interaction Jesus had with a Pharisee and a woman who was a known sinner in the city. Jesus places the actions of the woman in contrast to that of the Pharisee to demonstrate the fact of her forgiveness, and what it provoked in her. The amazing account of God's mercy moves us to confidence, love, and peace.

Galatians 5:22-23  contains a list which comprises the fruit of the Spirit. These characteristics are possessed by those who are led by the will of God revealed by His Spirit. By bearing this fruit one is in fellowship with Christ, and imitates Him. The context of Galatians 5 is key to understanding the point of list given by God, and the important role it plays in the life of a Christian.