Does Christianity involve a recognition and commitment to God’s pattern? Yes. Paul told Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). Paul Himself received this pattern from the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Characteristics of Moses – This Bible study considers the characteristics, personality and leadership of Moses, the leader of Israel. In this article, let us consider some of Moses’ characteristics, Israel’s great leader. In Hebrews 11:24-27, the inspired writer employs a number of verbs which describe the actions of this noble leader of Israel. These terms […]

When one worships according to the God-given pattern, God will count him as righteous. When one steps outside that pattern and acts on his own, he creates his own righteousness and cannot please God (Romans 10:3). Without revelation, man can never restore God’s order. However, if one humbles himself and returns to God’s pattern beautiful restoration occurs.

Abel had a pattern from God and he followed it. Cain did not. Cain offered worship that he invented. It was an offering of his own righteousness. It was not what God wanted. It was not pleasing to God. Mankind needs a pattern to avoid presenting his own righteousness to God. However, when we follow God’s pattern, God counts it as righteousness (Romans 4:3, James 2:23).

The plea of churches of Christ today is to restore New Testament Christianity into the lives of as many as will receive the gospel. It is not sufficient to preach the gospel without expecting those who believe it to change their lives. To this end, the churches of Christ preach, and the Bible teaches, that the gospel contains all the information that we need to do this (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:17).

At the time of Paul’s writings, I believe the NT was not yet written, incomplete. The “imperfect” I believe is the miraculous spiritual gifts which ceased. What do you think the “perfect” is in 1 Corinthians 13:10? “The perfect” in this passage is the coming completion of the revelation of God to man in what […]

Where does our heart stand? Are we at absolute zero because we are covetous, stubborn, or selfish? I hope not. Instead, we need to be pliable and plastic so that the Lord may mold and shape us to His will. You can’t bend something that is at absolute zero, only break it.

INTRODUCTION:

A. Psychologists tell us that we are born with two fears, the fear of falling and the fear of noise; but we soon develop many more.

1. It would be interesting to know how many different “phobias” are mentioned in the dictionary.

a. Indeed, our dictionaries betray us.

b. Our age is frantic with fear.

2. Members of a psychology class asked 500 people, “What are you afraid of?”

a. Those 500 people listed 7,000 fears!

b. But it need not be that way, for Christ came to deliver us from our fears.

INTRODUCTION:

1. The Background of the Parable

a. This parable finds its setting during the week leading up to the death of Jesus on the cross.

b. Matthew 23:37-39 … Jesus leaves the temple for the last time

c. As Jesus leaves this impressive structure and looks back, notice what is said … Matthew 24:2

d. Jesus and His disciples then go up to the mount of Olives, which had an impressive view of the temple, and the Lord’s disciples ask two questions:

INTRODUCTION: A. In previous lessons we have that noticed that I am a member of the church of Christ because: 1. It was founded by the scriptural builder – Christ 2. It was founded on THE scriptural foundation 3. It was founded at the scriptural place – Jerusalem 4. Christ is the founder of only […]

THESIS: To teach the wonderful characteristics of the Messiah as described in Isaiah 9:6-7.

TEXT: Isa. 9:6-7

INTRODUCTION: Read Isa. 9:6-7

1. Queen Elizabeth II holds the following titles, “Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith”

2. In similar style Isaiah gives the wonder characteristics of a king to be born far in the future. He sees a king born.

1) He is a child born, an heir. “For unto us a child is born.”

2) He will be a male heir, a son. “Unto us a son is given.”

3) He is born heir apparent. “The government shall be upon his shoulder.”

3. Much as we have spoken of the current monarch of Great Britain His expanded name will include these attributes: Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Putting on Christ means we adopt His 1) Character, 2) Words, 3) Life. Each person will understand that to put on Christ means changing to be like Christ. To help everyone understand that putting on Christ is a full-time endeavor that encompasses everything the Christian does.

Jesus is precious because His blood is precious.1 Peter 1:19 says that we were not redeemed with corruptible things “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” This blood paid the price for my sins and bought me back from perdition (1 Cor.6:20). This blood purchased the church (Acts 20:28). This blood speaks greater things than that of Abel (Heb.12:24). The blood of Jesus is precious.

INTRODUCTION: Numbers 13:26 – Numbers 14:10

1. A short time after they had received the Law at Mt. Sinai the children of Israel were commanded to go into the land of Canaan and possess it.

2. Twelve spies were sent in to view the land and report.

3. Ten of the men balked at going in and led most of Israel with them.

4. Two believed that Israel was ready and able.

Scripture ref: Luke 24:25-27

SUBJECT: Prophecy

TITLE: Messianic Prophecies Fulfilled

PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will look at Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah quoted in the New Testament as being fulfilled. We will look at prophecies regarding the Messiah’s 1) Origins, 2) Ministry and Teaching, 3) Persecution and Death, 4) Triumph, 5) and eternal role in heaven.

Objectives: Each should understand the Messianic prophecies as fulfilled by Jesus and as quoted in the New Testament.

Aim: To show that Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies that we may have renewed confidence that Jesus is the Messiah.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: Luke 24:25-27

SUBJECT: Attitudes

TITLE: What will you do with Jesus?

PROPOSITION: To set forth the three possible attitudes which one can have toward the Christ.

OBJECTIVE: To show that one must accept the Christ-both his humanity and divinity.

SUBJECT: Biography

TITLE: Lessons from the Life of Esther

PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will note several lessons from the book of Esther.

OBJECTIVES: Each listener should be able to tell the story of Esther and explain how God cares for His people.

AIM: To help all understand that God cares for His people and provides for them in His own way.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: Esther 2:5-9

INTRODUCTION: Read Gal. 6:10 1. Many in the world and in the church are confused by how the Bible authorizes actions. 2. Because of this confusion many: 1) loose where God has not loosed. 2) bind where God has not bound. 3. God is not pleased by either of these options. Deuteronomy 4:2 is representative […]

INTRODUCTION: 2 Cor. 7:9-10

1. Sometimes our translations are not helpful enough.

2. We read a word like “repentance” and wonder if we have a clear conception of the meaning.

1) We don’t use it much in conversation.

2) We are acutely aware that the modern meaning of a word may not convey the meaning of the original.

3. This is a word that is essential to understand. Paul associates it with salvation in our text.

SUBJECT: Growth

TITLE: GROWING AND ABOUNDING SPIRITUALLY

PROPOSITION: To set forth the aspect of the Christian life which God describes as growing and abounding.

OBJECTIVE:That we grow and abound in spiritual matters.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: 2 Peter 1:8-9; 3:18.