Verse-by-verse commentary (VBVC) is the expected method of preaching or teaching through the bible in most (if not all) churches claiming a high view of Scripture. It is also the method taught by seminaries to those being trained as pastors in such churches. Though based on good intentions, it fails in several respects. The purpose […]
Parents Responsibility to Their Children in Discipleship; Temptation
Apostasy & Repentance
Apostasy, Belief or Sincerity, Fascination with Evil
Understanding Faithfulness – Part 4: Comprehensive Obedience
The obedience that characterizes our covenant life must also possess certain attributes if it is to be recognized by God as faithful. Or put another way, it is our commitment to these attributes that is the key to achieving the faithfulness God requires in our obedience. 5.1. Careful [Question being addressed: Can I take risks […]
Understanding Faithfulness – Part 3: Careful Obedience
5. The obedience that characterizes our covenant life must also possess certain attributes if it is to be recognized by God as faithful. 5.1. Careful (Deu 28:1b) – “If you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments” Being careful (שׁמר)[shamar]: 1) being cautious to watch, protect, […]
Understanding Faithfulness – Part 2
Faithfulness (not perfection) is what Christ has always required to receive and remain in a saving relationship w/Him. (IOW): to receive Christ as Savior, a person must vow faithful (not perfect) obedience to Him as Lord (LBS). Once they have gained that saving relationship (thru baptism – 1Pe 3:21), they must (then) fulfill their former […]
What You May Not Know About the Church and Its Members
The diversity that exists among the members of the church is a good thing. Church members are allowed to have big disagreements. Members cannot hold the rest of the church hostage by their choices. Every member is responsible to make every other member one of our closest friends. Note: This sermon was recorded during the […]
Bad Fear
A Biblical Perspective on Trials and Suffering
God’s purpose in afflicting us is always for our good or betterment. There are four things God is attempting to accomplish through our trials/suffering: To atone, remove, or cleanse sin from our flesh. To discourage us in the practice of sin and folly. To make us morally stronger. To make us long to leave this […]
Love Is The Answer – Part 2
9. God doesn’t want us to tame our affection of love but rather give it supremely to Him since: 9.1. This is the only way to avoid idolatry (what we are guilty of when give it supremely to someone other than God since this is what we now worship) and disappointment (what we set ourselves […]
Love Is The Answer – Part 1
Definitions: The Action of Love: Righteous behavior in relation to persons, God, and people or things. The Affection of Love: Deep feelings or emotions of adoration, admiration, attachment, favor, and fondness for someone or something. Love Is The Answer The action of love is the basis of all God’s commands. The action of love is […]
The Idolatry of Hedonism – Part 1
Loving Christ is imperative to being saved by Christ. Hence the reason Paul can say, “If anyone has no love for Lord (Christ), let him be accursed.” (1Co 16:22). Loving Christ, however, means living for the glory of Christ as my highest good, goal, priority, and purpose in life – to this end we are saved […]
Perspective – Part 4
Perspective – Part 2
Hearts Gone Bad
Code to Live By Part 3
Code To Live By PART 3 A mixture of morality and wisdom needful – yet oft neglected and overlooked by Christians today. Previously discussed: 1. Behavior makes genuine not feelings. 2. You lose control when you lose control. 3. EDM is a dangerous sin. 4. You pay for what you say. 5. Don’t […]
Code to Live By Part 2
For part 1, listen here: Code to Live By Part 1 Code To Live By PART 2 A mixture of morality and wisdom needful – yet oft neglected and overlooked by Christians today. 1. Behavior makes genuine not feelings. Feelings do not determine whether what we do (in our behavior) is real or legitimate. […]
Code to Live By Part 1
Code To Live By PART 1 A mixture of morality and wisdom needful – yet oft-neglected and overlooked, by Christians today. Behavior makes genuine, not feelings. 1.1. A modern problem that seems to be fairly common, is thinking that for something to be genuine, it must be accompanied by feelings that are consistent/congruent with the […]
Understanding the Sacraments
Understanding the Sacraments 1. There are two sacraments prescribed by Christ for the New Covenant community (i.e. the church): baptism and the Lord’s Table (Mat 28:19; Luk 22:19-20). 2. Sacraments are covenant signs which carry supernatural significance in that God gives what the sign signifies when observed by His covenant communities (Bap […]