Mike Riley Sermon Outlines, Articles, Lessons, etc.

Will Being Morally Good Save Us?

A querist asks, “Will being morally good save us on judgment day?” The Scriptures tell us that we cannot be saved by our own merit, our own righteousness, or personal works (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:3). To be in a saved state, we

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“Fighting For The Truth”

The Gospel Advocate, dated 15 Feb. 1940, p. 148, stated the following regarding Brother F.B. Srygley: “No one has sacrificed more time from home and family for the cause of Christ than Brother  Srygley. No one has endured more hardships, suffered more bitter persecution, and been slandered more than was he. Those who read his […]

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Are We Born With A Sin Nature?

According to some of our religious friends, the text in Ephesians 2:3 is supposed to teach that babies are born with a “sin nature” or a “sinful nature” and that they are under the wrath of God because of that nature. But isn’t it a monstrous and a blasphemous dogma to say that God is […]

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God In Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd (That’s Relationship!) I shall not want (That’s Supply!) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (That’s Rest!) He leadeth me beside the still waters (That’s Refreshment!) He restoreth my soul (That’s Healing!) He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (That’s Guidance!) For His name’s sake (That’s Purpose!) […]

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What Is The Value Of Jesus To Us?

Exodus 21 lists various penalties for different offenses. In Exodus 21:28-32, injuries that could be caused by an ox are discussed, along with the consequences of these injuries for the owner of the animal. In the event that an ox killed a man or woman, the ox was to be stoned and its flesh uneaten. […]

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Loving Someone You Can't Stand

From today’s Montana Street bulletin, comes the following above titled article, written by Brother Alan Smith, minister for the Helen Street congregation in Fayetteville, North Carolina:

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Changing A Nation’s Moral Compass

In 2 Chronicles 7:1-14-NKJV, King Solomon was given the criteria as to what would change the moral compass of Israel. It was to begin

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Peter Cursed – Was Peter Really Cursing And Swearing?

Peter cursed – Bible Lesson by Mike Riley on Peter’s cursing and swearing. Did he really curse in the same sense that people curse today? A querist asks, “In Mark 14:71, was Peter really cursing and swearing when he adamantly denied ever knowing Christ?” The text in Mark 14:71-NKJV reads: “But he began to curse […]

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A Guarantee Of The Promised Messiah

In Haggai 1, we read of the completion of the temple by the Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity. The beginning of Haggai 2:1-9, records the discussion of the former glory of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 5-8) which was destroyed in 586 B.C.

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Having The Right Work Ethic

One of my favorite daily cartoon strips is “Dilbert” produced by cartoonist Scott Adams (also this bio). In the strip, Mr. Adams mocks technology, leadership fads, and incompetent managers.

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Looking At The Priorities Of Life

The mayor of a small town ceased mowing his lawn to the extent that he put up a sign in front of his home. It read: “There are more important things in life than tall grass.“

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A Bold Challenge

In 1983, Steve Jobs issued this bold challenge to John Sculley, then president of Pepsi-Cola bottling company: “John, do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you

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Do Our Children See Us Seeking God's Kingdom First When…

1) We are early to the ball game, but late to worship services? 2) We see that they do their school homework, but never check to see if they have completed their Bible class lessons? 3) They cannot stay up late on school nights, but they can stay up and watch the “late show” on […]

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The Bible — No Coverups Here

One of the challenges that religious writers must face, is the challenge of being honest about evil. When we write, we should always want good to win over evil. But even the

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Seven Red Flag Signals Of Possible Apostasy

Just as important as the early detection and immediate treatment of cancer, is the detection and treatment of any spiritual decline, for the prevention of possible apostasy. Like cancer, apostasy gives warning signals.

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Baptism – A Corresponding “Type”

In 1 Peter 3:21, the inspired writer declares, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ”. To which some of our denominational friends might say, “Do you […]

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Overview Of 1st Timothy

When studying the books of the Bible, it is wise for the Bible student to possess (1) an outline of the book or (2) an overview (general view or survey) of the book in order to get

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A Message In Song Titles

Because This Is My Father’s World, I will Praise Him, Praise Him for all He has done for me. Love Lifted Me from the depths of sin there At The Cross. Because of this, I can go Anywhere With Jesus, for I know He will be there. As I go, Each Day I’ll Do a […]

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The Gospel Is For All!

The gospel of Christ is: Free — Even the poor can obtain it: “The poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:5 KJV). Plain — Even the uneducated can understand it (Mark 12:37 KJV) : “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge” (Ephesians 3:1-6 KJV).

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Ponderings On The Tongue

Some men have a tongue as rough as a cat’s, and biting as an adder. If you have a good temper, keep it. If you have a bad temper, don’t lose it! Gossip is something negative that is developed and then enlarged. The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his […]

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