Expository Insights with Pastor Lyle Wahl

How To Respond when Under Attack Acts 4:1-31 Theme: God provides power to defeat opposition. The reality of opposition. The inevitable collision. (1-2) The inevitable persecution. (3) The response to opposition. Boldly defend the faith. (5-12) Boldly rely on God. (5-12) The result of opposition. They baffled their opponents. (13-22) They prayed for their opponents. (23-30) 3. They received God’s p...

Mighty Works of God Acts 3:1-26 Theme: God performs mighty works through faithful believers. The example of a miraculous healing. The physical need. (3:1-5) The healing power. (3:6-10) The example of a powerful message. Peter corrected their outlook. (3:11-12) Peter directed their focus. (3:13-16) Peter appealed for their repentance. (3:17-26) Note the results. (4:1-4) The example of a faithful be...

A New Thing! Acts 2:1-47 The events of the church’s beginning. The view of the disciples. The events of the launch. (1-47) The witness of the church in Peter’s sermon. The first sermon of the church. (14-36) The results of the witness. (37-42) The marks of this new work of God, in the church. Devoted to spiritual growth. (42) Devoted to worshiping God. (43, 47) Devoted to each other. (44-46) Devot...

Getting Ready and Counting Down Acts 1:1-26 Some introductions. Meet the author. Survey the setting. Get acquainted with the importance of the book. Strike up a friendship with the purpose of the book. Jesus’ departure in preparation for the church age. His final teaching. (3-8) His final action. (9-11) The Disciples’ Condition At The Dawn Of The Church Age. Their progress under Jesus’ ministry. (...

Theme: Fulfillment comes as you center your life on God. Give God first place in your life. The final conclusion: Give God full reverence and obedience. (13) The final counsel: Remember that God is the final Judge. (14) Guide your life by God’s word. Because it is God’s truth. (9, 11, 12) Because it changes your life. (10, 11) Solomon’s example. (9-10)

Psalm 107 Theme: Thank God for His steadfast lovingkindness. Consider God’s steadfast lovingkindness. It goes hand in hand with His goodness. (1) It is everlasting. (1; see also Psalm 106:1; Psalm 118:1-4; Psalm 136:1) It redeems. (2-3; see also 3-41) It is part of His sovereignty over all. (33-42) Consider examples of God’s lovingkindness. Guiding those wandering in the wilderness. (4-9; see also...

Success for a Lifetime Ecclesiastes 10:1 - 12:8 Theme: Successful living requires God’s wisdom. The reality of life without God’s wisdom. Some perspective. (10:1-3) Some consequences. (10:2-7, 12-20) The reality of life with God’s wisdom. Leads to action which minimizes risks and maximizes success. (10:8-11, 11:1-6) 2. Leads to remembering and serving God with joy. (11:7 - 12:8)

But God, It Isn't Fair! Ecclesiastes 8:1–9:18 Theme: Use God’s resources to defeat the frustrations of living in this unfair world. The frustration-producing situations: God’s expectations for us in this unfair world. Submit to governments—although they are unjust at times. (8:2-9) Live righteously—although evil is not quickly punished. (8:10-14) Trust God—although you don’t know all of His de...

Theme: Fulfillment depends on character, not circumstances. Depending on outward circumstances leads to futility. Good things do not guarantee that life is good. (6:1-9) Bad things do not guarantee that life is bad. (7:1-10) Seen when we have good and bad things in perspective. (6:10-12, 7:13-14) Depending on character leads to fulfillment. The wisdom of true righteousness. (7:15-18) The strength...

#4 in Series in Ecclesiastes Sharpen Your Focus Theme: True fulfillment requires a sharp focus Three examples of a fuzzy, futile focus. Sloppy, self-centered worship. (1-7) Surprise at oppression. (8-9) Seeking security in things. (10-17) Three examples of a fine-tuned, fulfilling focus. Reverence for God. (7) Responsible worship. (1-5) Recognize, receive and enjoy God’s blessings. (18-20)

Sermon 3 in series in Ecclesiastes Finding Happiness Theme: Happiness is a gift from our sovereign God. Step one: recognize your need of sovereign God. In light of the great equalizer—death. (3:18-21) In light of the many inequalities of life. (4:1-16) Step two: recognize your sovereign God gives order. God orders all things. (3:1-11, 14-15) God judges all things. (3:16-17) Step three: receive you...

The Search for Satisfaction Theme: Life without God is pointless. The search for satisfaction proves to be futile. Human wisdom’s insights are ultimately useless. (1:12-18, 2:13-15) Pleasure’s enjoyments are empty. (2:1-11) Work’s achievements are temporary. (2:12-23) The summary of this search. There is no real satisfaction without God. (2:25-26) There is a wealth of satisfaction with God.

Series in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, #1 Sweat and Stress - for What? Theme: Life without God is pointless. King Solomon states a basic point. "All is futility!" - he gets our attention. (2) "Where's the advantage, the profit?" - he exposes a deep, troubling question. (3) King Solomon illustrates his point. The cycles of people and nature. (4-& Making great...

Bear with One Another What does it mean? The New Testament words. (Matthew 8:17; 17:9; 20:12; Luke 14:27; Romans 11:18; 15:1;1 Corinthians 4:12; 9:12; 13:7; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; 2 Timothy 4:3) The inherent tension. (Romans 15:1-2 with Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 2:1-3) What does it look like? Some examples. (2 Samuel 16:5-14; Nehemiah 9:26-31; Psalm 78:9-72, esp. 34-39, 68-72) What not...

Admonish One Another ăd–mŏnʹĭsh The meaning of the word as we use it today. The meaning of the words in the Old and New Testaments. How To Admonish. With genuine love for one another. With pure hearts. With humble hearts. For the purity and unity of the church.

The reality of being a servant. Everyone serves something or someone. (Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:16; 2 Peter 2:19) Believers are “saved to serve.” (Romans 6:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8-10) Believers are gifted, are enabled to serve. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) The mindset for serving one another. A clear view of yourself—humility. (Romans 12:3, 16; Philippians 2:3-8). A clear motive—love. (1...

Theme: Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. What is a Lie? Some definitions of lying. Some ways of lying. Some numbers on lying. Why not lie? God is truth, cannot lie, and we are to be like Him. (Exodus 20:16; 23:1, 7; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 12:6; Proverbs 30:5; John 8:42-47; 14:6; 17:3, 17; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:9-10; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:1...

Do Not Judge One Another Confusion From non-Christians about Christians. From the Bible about God. (Genesis 15:14; Deuteronomy 1:16; 1 Samuel 2:10; 3:13; Judges 11:27; Psalm 7:11; 50:6 John 3:17; 5:22, 30; 8:10-11, 15-16, 26; 12:47-48; Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1, 8; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 4:5) From the Bible about Christians. (Matthew 7:1-2; Luke 6:37; 12:54-59; John 7:24; Romans 12:3; 14:1-4, 10,...

Theme: Forgive one another as Christ has forgiven you. Defining our terms. “Some nice things forgiving is not.” Some wonderful things forgiveness is. (Psalm 25:18; 32:1-2, 5; 85:2; 103:12; Micah 7:18-20; Matthew 26:28; John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Corinthians 2:7, 10; Ephesians 1:7; 4:32; Colossians 1:14; 2:13; 3:13) Forgiving one another as God has forgiven us. A choice to forgive, not a feel...

Submit to One Another Theme: God’s design and order demand submitting to one another. What is Biblical submission? Starting with the word. Zeroing in on the Biblical meaning. (Matthew 26:39; Luke 2:51; 10:17- 20; Romans 8:7; 10:3; 1 Corinthians 15:27-28; Ephesians 5:21) What are some examples of Biblical submission? Submission to God. (Ephesians 5:24; Hebrews 12:9; James 4:7; Romans 8:7; 12:1-2; 2...

Continuing the series on the One Another statements in the New Testament with The Biggest Building Project. Theme: Keep Building Up One Another! The Task. 1. To help each other keep growing in holiness. (Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2:5, 9; Job 6:10; Psalm 78:41; Isaiah 40:25) To help each other keep growing in spiritual stability and maturity. (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Corinthians 14:20; 2 Cor...

Encourage One Another One example of a real encourager. He gave to the needs of other believers. (Acts 4:32-37) He risked in reaching out to and defending other believers. (Acts 9:26-30; 11:19-24) He built up others in the truth. (Acts 11:25-26; 15:35) He affirmed and comforted others. (Acts 15:30-34) Some expectations for all encouragers. Encouraging is inclusive—it includes all of us. (Romans 12...

Father's Day Father's Who Make A Difference Theme: God blesses Godly character and behavior. The Character Of Godly Behavior. In normal days. - harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, humble, turn away from evil speech, do good, seek peace. In abnormal days. - Don't retaliate. Bless The Blessing of God. Your life will be fulfilling. (10) Your God will care for you. (12)

Number 4 in series on the One Another Statements of the New Testament Accept One Another Theme: Accept every believer just as Christ accepted you. Why should I accept others…every other believer? Because Christ has accepted you. (Romans 15:7) Because Christ has accepted them. (Romans 14:3-4; 15:7) Because we are interdependent members of one body. (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-30) How should...

Third sermon in series on the One Another statements in the New Testament. Theme: Praying for one another is a great and gracious responsibility. God gives us this great and gracious responsibility. Commands. (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; James 5:16) Examples. (Exodus 32:11-13, 30-32; Numbers 14:13-19; Deuteronomy 9:18-29; Luke 22:31-32; John 14:16-17; 17:9-26; Romans...