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. […]
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 […]
The CCC Gospel: God’s Plan of Salvation
The Gospel: God’s Plan Of Salvation 1. Why is it important that we examine the gospel we possess? (Gal 1:8-9) Three Reasons: 1.1. There is only one true gospel (i.e. one that saves) (6-7a). 1.2. False gospels and teachers do exist (7b). 1.3. If we believe/embrace a false gospel – we […]
Watching Over Our Hearts
The Importance of Watching Over Our Hearts (Proverbs 4:23) 1. “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge…” (Pro 18:15) This tells us that what is meant by the heart is one’s mind. (Ecc 1:16-17, 2:1-3, 23, 7:21-22, 25, 8:16) 2. “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” (Pro 27:19) This […]
Overcoming Sin and Temptation (James 1:12-25)
Overcoming Sin and Temptation (James 1:12-25) Definitions: Temptation = Feelings favoring sin or rebellion against God. Desire = Our will 1. At times, God acts contrary to our will (i.e. brings trials) to see if we love Him (through submission of our will). (v. 12) 2. God’s will is that we pass the test so […]
Understanding the Cause of Depression
1. Depression (Genesis 4:1-7) 1.1. The difference between depression and sadness or discouragement is that depression is unauthorized feelings of sadness, self-pity, or discouragement. (v. 6) 1.2 What causes depression and is considered “unauthorized”: Unbiblical expectations. (vv. 3-4) (e.g. unbiblical expectations in relation to your job, your life, your marriage, your kids, your relationships, your […]
Three Nails That Must Be Firmly Fixed If You Want to Live Without Regret
1. Three Nails That Must Be Firmly Fixed If You Are to Live Without Regret (Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14) If you are born between the years of 1980 and 2005, you are a millennial. If you are one of these individuals, society tells us that you seek three things from your adult years and career: Accountability – […]
The Difference Between a Weak Christian and a False Christian
1. The Difference Between a Weak Christian and a False Christian The following and the essential elements for both becoming and continuing to be a Christian: 1.1. Submission to Christ as Lord before Savior. (Jud 1:5; 2Co10 w/ Heb 13:8; Mat 8:5-10) 1.2. Agreement to Christ’s marriage covenant. (Christ only saves through covenant) 1.2.1. All […]
Becoming Conquerors For Christ – 2 Timothy 2:1-10, Part 2
2 Timothy 2:1-10 Context: Timothy has become timid in his ministry as the interim pastor. (2Ti 1:4 – crying; 1:7 – fearful; 1:8 – ashamed of the Gospel). So, what are Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 2:1-10 meant to communicate to Timothy? 1. How to stop being a crybaby, sissy, simpleton, sell-out and become a […]
Dark Brewed: Hebrews – Part 7
(Heb 12:1-17) Like a good dark brew (of either coffee or beer), this portion of the book of Hebrews delivers the kind of “kick in the pants” that is always appreciated when the pressures and temptations of this life have got us feeling like compromise is the only option. This was the situation of Jewish […]
2 Peter – Part 6: Remember the Gospel!
Theme: REMEMBER THE GOSPEL! 2nd Peter represents the Apostle Peter’s 2nd epistle. Written shortly after the first, the distinguishing mark of this letter is not only its focus on the gospel, but its efficient and effective presentation. In this respect, Peter does two things. First, he reminds us of what the (true) gospel teaches (1:1-15), […]