Seasonal Preaching

“For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.”  (2 Peter 1:9) Christians must guard themselves against shortsightedness. They are to live with heaven in their view, and give diligence to be more like Christ each day.

When the Thessalonians were converted, they had their hope set on the return of the Lord ( 1 Thessalonians 1:10 ). Surely, after Paul wrote about the hope of those who had fallen asleep and the future reunion with them in the resurrection the Thessalonians eager anticipation of that Day would grow (cf.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ). In his closing chapter, Paul wrote concerning the hope of the Christ...

John 4:46-54  record Jesus' second miracle in the gospel of John. From Cana, Jesus healed a nobleman's son in Capernaum. Being 25 miles away, Jesus demonstrated the power over distance. This truth is extremely important for each of us.

Paul was thankful for the news he received from Timothy about the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. They continued in their work for the Lord even though tested by firey trials. However, Paul's love for them is shown in his earnest desire that they  "abound more and more"  ( 1 Thessalonians 4:1 ). In chapter 4, Paul covers some areas that in which the brethren needed growth, just as we do.

At the beginning of a new year it is wise to sharpen our spiritual focus. Among several things, our focus should be on faith, obedience, grace, being unspotted from the world, and our salvation.

The trial of persecution the Thessalonians faced was a great concern for Paul. He could no longer stand not knowing how they were doing, and sent Timothy who came with good news (cf.  1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 ,  6 ). They showed great faith and endurance in their trial, and stand as an example to emulate.

The miracles of Jesus confirm His claim as the Messiah, the Son of God (cf.  John 20:30-31 ). They also teach us much about the nature of His power, His character, His relation to us and His desire for us. The miracles confirm His revelation, but are a revelation themselves. In the first miracle in Cana of Galilee, Jesus showed His power over quality.

Paul elaborates on the remembrance of the manner of his coming to the Thessalonians, and his conduct among them (cf.  1 Thessalonians 1:5 ,  9 ). Chapter 2 gives a description of Paul’s motive, method, and conduct in preaching to the Thessalonians, and their reception of the message.

Leadership comes in various forms and contexts. All Christians are to lead in some capacity. How are we to lead? What makes a good leader in spiritual matters? We should turn to the  "Shepherd and Overseer of [our] souls"  (1 Peter 2:25) to see true leadership.

Leadership comes in various forms and contexts. All Christians are to lead in some capacity. How are we to lead? What makes a good leader in spiritual matters? We should turn to the  "Shepherd and Overseer of [our] souls"  (1 Peter 2:25) to see true leadership.

Prayer is an extreme blessing, and a powerful tool the Lord has given for our use. It should be utilized daily in the life of a Christian. Also, while any Christian can pray to God by themselves at any given time, communal prayer with brethren is important and powerful.

After establishing the church in Thessalonica, Paul’s stay was cut short due to extreme oppostion from the Jews. He sent Timothy to check on the brethren, and Timothy returned to Paul with good news. 1 Thessalonians is a response to the good news Paul received. In chapter 1, Paul thanks God, and reflects on the faith he witnessed in the Thessalonians – a faith we should imitate.

Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their lack of growth in 1 Corinthians 3:1-4. He did not condemn them as carnal babes in Christ at the beginning of their faith, but they had not grown, and were still carnal. This carnality led to division and strife. They had become Christians, but reverted to behaving like mere men.

It is a tragedy anytime Jesus is rejected. However, perhaps the greatest tragedy is the Judas tragedy – when one hangs around Jesus only to wind up belonging to Satan. What can be observed in Judas that contributed to this tragedy?

Questions about authority are answered.

“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”  (John 7:24) What is righteous judgment?

The events of Matthew 12 can demonstrate how pivotal it is each moment we interact with truth. We will be forever changed, for the better or the worse.

“‘Be angry, and do not sin’: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”  (Ephesians 4:26-27) Anger is not an inherently sinful emotion, though some anger is fundamentally sinful. However, it is an emotion that we must address, and handle with extreme caution.

God calls His children to a standard of excellence in His Son. However, there are many exampels throughout scripture of those who were faithful only for a little while. The Lord wants our excellence to be sustained throughout our life.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt”  (Colossians 4:6). As Christians, our speech needs to be pleasant, appropriate, godly, and with spiritual substance. It is our duty to use speech as a tool to advance God’s will.

When the truth advances it is always met with oppostion. There are times Satan can influence members of the church to act against the truth in their pride. 3 John shows a contrast between several individuals, some working faithfully for the truth, and some working against it. When the truth clashes with opposition there are two choices – imitate what is good, or imitate what is evil ( 3 John 11 ).

What is profanity? What makes words profane?

John’s second epistle demonstrates that love is to be in truth, and shown in keeping the truth. However, when some do not bring the truth, such love is not to be shown.

In Romans 9-11, Paul answers perceived Jewish objections to God's rejection of the nation of Israel. He explains the sovereignty of God, including God's choice on how man is saved. While the Jews sought to be righteous by the works of the Law of Moses, more fundamentally their flaw was simply refusing the plan God had authored. We could be guilty too, even if we refuse to subscribe to a merit base...

In Romans 9-11, Paul answers perceived Jewish objections to God's rejection of the nation of Israel. He explains the sovereignty of God, including God's choice on how man is saved. While the Jews sought to be righteous by the works of the Law of Moses, more fundamentally their flaw was simply refusing the plan God had authored. We could be guilty too, even if we refuse to subscribe to a merit base...