Mike Riley Sermon Outlines, Articles, Lessons, etc.

A querist asks, “What age do we live in? Christian Age, Messianic Age?” We are presently living in the Christian Age. The following short study should help our

Many honest and sincere folk in the religious world oppose the idea that baptism is an essential element in the salvation process. They argue that we are not saved by works

There are many folks in the religious community who endorse premillennialism. This teaching states that Christ will someday return to earth and reign from Palestine for a

The appeal in 1st and 2nd Kings, is for faithful obedience to God (1 Kings 2:4; 1 Kings 8:25,57-58; 1 Kings 9:1-5; 1 Kings 15:1-5; 2 Kings 18:1-6; 2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Kings 20:3). The chief aim of both books is to teach great moral lessons exemplified by events

The philosophy of agnosticism is the primary cause of many of the problems we face in the Lord’s church today. Some members contend that “any” position one takes relative to what any passage of

Regarding Isaiah 11:6-9, a querist asks, “When do these events take place on the earth?” In Isaiah 11:1-10, the prophet directs his attention far into the future

The word “novice” appears only once in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 3:6. In this passage, the apostle Paul is describing for Timothy the necessary qualifications of a man who would be

Jesus rules his kingdom with “a sceptre of righteousness” (Hebrews 1:8; cf. Psalms 45:6). As “The Prince of Peace” and upholding his kingdom “with justice and with righteousness” (Isaiah 9:6-7 – ESV), the only sceptre appropriate for this king is that of uprightness, equity and justness. His

A querist asks, “Would you comment on Exodus 21:22? In the context it is used, what is meant by ‘no mischief follow’?”

The Bible is silent concerning the existence of extraterrestrial life. Rather, it focuses on the earth as the only planet that contains any form of life. Since the Bible declares itself to be authoritative

Merriam-Webster Online, defines the word, apology as being derived from the Greek word, apologia which means, “a speaking in defense.” This Greek word does not imply admission of guilt or regret, but a desire to make clear the grounds for some course, belief, or position, i.e. “his speech was an apologia for his foreign policy.” […]

The appeal in 1st and 2nd Kings, is for faithful obedience to God (1 Kings 2:4; 1 Kings 8:25,57-58; 1 Kings 9:1-5; 1 Kings 15:1-5; 2 Kings 18:1-6; 2 Kings 22:1-2; 2 Kings 20:3). The chief aim of both books is to teach great moral lessons exemplified by events in the history of the Jewish […]

In Zechariah 8:23, the phrase, “take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew” is a very interesting phrase. The “skirt” of a Jew was one that had a fringe and blue ribbon upon it (Numbers 15:38; Deuteronomy 22:12) and was a distinguishing badge of a Jew. The idea here presented is that […]

Regarding Mark 4:11-12, a querist asks, “Who are those that are without? Is Verse 12 stating he did not want the people without to understand or be forgiven?” The phrase, “them that are without” used in Mark 4:11 refers to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 5:12; Colossians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:12; 1 Timothy 3:7). Christ is not […]

The historic conclusion of Patrick Henry's address in 1775 at Richmond, Virginia rings true to us living today. He concluded, “Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid […]

In 1 Corinthians 1:25-27, the apostle Paul declared, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; But God hath chosen the foolish […]

According to E.W. Bullinger's, “A Critical Lexicon and Concordance To The English And Greek New Testament” (1982), p. 396, the little word, “if” (note 1. (b) – followed by the subjunctive mood) means, “This expresses a condition of uncertainty, with an assumption of some small amount of contingency or probability, where experience will show whether […]

The following borrowed story is designed to make us “think” about how we as Christians should accept people different than ourselves into our assemblies. Brethren, let us never be guilty of the sin of partiality as illustrated in this story. I saw him in the church building for the first time last Wednesday evening. He […]

Years ago, a well-known comedian made the following statement in determining one's financial position: “When you go to work, if your name is on the outside of the building, you're rich. If your name is on your desk, you're middle-class. If your name is on your shirt, you're poor.” Living In A Class-Conscious Society We […]

The following nursery rhyme entitled, “For Want Of A Nail” reads: “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the rider was lost. For want of a rider, the battle was lost. For want of a battle, the kingdom was […]