Seasonal Preaching

1 Kings 19 records the events surrounding Elijah after his victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. In his despondency, Elijah learned a lesson from God about what God uses to effect His will, and bring others to faithfulness. The power is in His word.

In 1 John 2:3-27, John reveals how we can be confident that we know Christ, and know the truth. We must keep His commandments, and hold true to that which we have heard from the beginning.

Genesis 40 and 41 give the account of Joseph’s ascent to power in Egypt with God’s help. In time of severe famine, by God’s wisdom communicated through Joseph, not only was Egypt spared, but so also the surrounding countries. Important lessons can be learned as we reflect on the text.

1 John was written to give confidence in the knowledge of salvation (cf. 1 John 5:13). The first chapter sets the foundation for this confidence – fellowship with God. How do I know I have fellowship with God?

Romans 5:12-21 contains an important and powerful contrast between our sin and God’s grace. It is important for us to understand how sufficient and powerful God’s provision in Christ is. However, we must also be careful to fully understand how it works, how it is applied, and how it is to dramatically change our lives.

Paul’s reminder of why he left Timothy in Ephesus in 1 Timothy 1 is relevant today. Still people depart from the focus of God’s work in salvation, and use the law unlawfully. We must remember what the gospel is for, and how it is to be used. Only that can save lost men.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her”  (Proverbs 31:28). Mothers are a tremendous blessing from the Lord. The wisdom of God in creating man and woman, and giving the woman the role of mother is tremendous. We need to honor mothers every day, and encourage them in their irreplaceable role.

“I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.”  (Isaiah 45:7) The skeptic will abuse this verse to suggest that God is the creator of immorality. An examination of the context of the verse, as well as the remote context of God’s nature will show this is not the case. Still, evil and suffering exist. How do we reconcile that with an omnip...

What is modesty all about? What makes modesty? Often, these questions and others like them are met with very one-dimensional answers. Like with any Bible topic, modesty must be considered comprehensively. There are certain qualities that contribute to the Biblical concept of modesty, but none of them are independent of each other in the realm of modesty.

What is church autonomy? Why is it important? What is its function? And what might be some malfunctions or abuses of it?

Concerning marriage, Jesus said,  “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”  (Matthew 19:6) Ultimately, this statement is aimed at any who are married. Each marriage is responsible before God for its own protection. We must be diligent in our marriages to ensure the safety and preservation of the relationship to God’s glory.

“Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’”  (1 Peter 4:18) The context of 1 Peter 4 is considered.

Repentance is a universal requirement to be found right with God upon sin occurring (cf. Acts 17:30). In order to forgive each other, and maintain fellowship there must be repentance (cf. Luke 17:3-4). For this reason, it is vital that we know what true repentance actually looks like. How does it act?

Under the Old Testament God gave commands to use mechanical instruments in worship. Under the New Testament God commanded,  “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”  (Ephesians 5:18-19). Why has this changed?

In writing about his stewardship of the mystery, Paul details several elements which brought Jew and Gentile together (cf. Ephesians 3:1-7). They were united in the truth and working together in fellowship. These same foundational principles are the pattern for our unity and fellowship today.

Paul encouraged Timothy to share with him in the sufferings for the sake of the gospel, and not to neglect his gift. He gave the reason,  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  (2 Timothy 1:7) God has equipped us with everything we need to face difficulties and threats as a child of His.

“All things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.”  (Ephesians 5:13) As children of light, we have the duty of bearing fruit of light, and exposing darkness. This is what light does. If we are not making manifest the unfruitful works of darkness, are we light?

1 Samuel 20 shows the covenant between David and Jonathan being kept by Jonathan showing kindness to David. 2 Samuel 9 shows the same as David showed kindness to Jonathan’s son. God shows us His kindness, and entrusts us with it to show it to others.

Exodus 17:8-16 records the attack of Amalek on Israel at Rephidim. God gave Israel victory,  “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner”  (Exodus 17:15). God fights for us, but we must go to Him in faith.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation's spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

Like the disciples who were  “about a stone’s throw”  away from Jesus but were not present enough to watch and pray (cf. Luke 22:39-46), it is possible for us to seem close to Jesus, but truly be distant.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation’s spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”  (Philippians 4:4) Where is joy found, and what is the driving force of joy? The life of fellowship with Christ affords us true, immeasurable joy.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation's spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'”  (Matthew 8:10) What kind of faith did the centurion have? What made Jesus marvel? We should seek to possess the same kind of faith.