Seasonal Preaching

In writing about his stewardship of the mystery, Paul details several elements which brought Jew and Gentile together (cf. Ephesians 3:1-7). They were united in the truth and working together in fellowship. These same foundational principles are the pattern for our unity and fellowship today.

Paul encouraged Timothy to share with him in the sufferings for the sake of the gospel, and not to neglect his gift. He gave the reason, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) God has equipped us with everything we need to face difficulties and threats as a child of His.

“All things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.” (Ephesians 5:13) As children of light, we have the duty of bearing fruit of light, and exposing darkness. This is what light does. If we are not making manifest the unfruitful works of darkness, are we light?

1 Samuel 20 shows the covenant between David and Jonathan being kept by Jonathan showing kindness to David. 2 Samuel 9 shows the same as David showed kindness to Jonathan’s son. God shows us His kindness, and entrusts us with it to show it to others.

Exodus 17:8-16 records the attack of Amalek on Israel at Rephidim. God gave Israel victory, “And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner” (Exodus 17:15). God fights for us, but we must go to Him in faith.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation's spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

Like the disciples who were “about a stone’s throw” away from Jesus but were not present enough to watch and pray (cf. Luke 22:39-46), it is possible for us to seem close to Jesus, but truly be distant.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation’s spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Where is joy found, and what is the driving force of joy? The life of fellowship with Christ affords us true, immeasurable joy.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation's spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'” (Matthew 8:10) What kind of faith did the centurion have? What made Jesus marvel? We should seek to possess the same kind of faith.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation’s spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

The Bible condemns self-love (cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-5), and at the same time instructs us to love ourselves (cf. Matthew 22:39). There is a big difference between the self-love the world encourages, and that which God requires.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) What did Paul mean by this, and how does it apply to Christians today?

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation’s spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

Paul told Timothy, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11) Faith is not just seen in the negative (what we flee, or don’t do), but in the positive (what we pursue, or do). We must seek to pursue all the things of Christ.

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation’s spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation’s spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

God commanded Israel to utterly destroy all the inhabitants of Canaan when they entered the land He had promised them (cf. Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 20:16-18). The skeptics suggest this command shows the God of the Bible is an evil being. Is this so? How should we view God’s destruction of the Canaanites according to the Bible?

Church discipline is a foundational part of a congregation’s spiritual health, and fellowship with God. It is ironic, then, that it is one of the most misunderstood and neglected topics of scripture. What does the Bible teach about church discipline?

Family roles are badly neglected, and sorely misunderstood today. What does the Bible say about them? What is the man in the family to be according to God’s word? Joshua is a good example – “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)

It is not uncommon for churches to assemble to share a common social meal together. Is this authorized by the Lord?

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? There is much confusion on the topic. A careful study of the text of Galatians 5 shows us exactly what it means to walk in the Spirit.

“If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3) Psalm 11 reflects on a time in David’s life when he was in grave danger. The foundations of righteousness, truth, justice, and piety before God were suspended by those who should have fought for them the most. What do we do when the world is against everything we stand by as faithful children of God? What did David do?

After Nehemiah observed the broken wall of Jerusalem, and gathered the people, he encouraged them to put away the reproach of surrounding people by rebuilding the wall. "So they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work." (Nehemiah 2:18) The account reveals several characteristics and attitudes that are necessary to accomplish the Lord's work.

After Nehemiah observed the broken wall of Jerusalem, and gathered the people, he encouraged them to put away the reproach of surrounding people by rebuilding the wall. "So they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work." (Nehemiah 2:18) The account reveals several characteristics and attitudes that are necessary to accomplish the Lord's work.

Amos prophesied to Israel concerning the righteous judgment of God concerning their unfaithfulness to Him. One of his warnings foretold of a famine of the word of God (Amos 8:11-14). Is it possible for us to suffer such a famine today?

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) An encouraging verse considered in light of its context. If anything changes in our walk of faith, it is not Jesus.

An accusation was levied against Jesus in Matthew 12:22-30 when He cast out a demon. This accusation was countered effectively by the Master Teacher. The text serves as an example of the powerlessness of error in standing against the truth.

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38) The key to success in spreading the gospel is to first drink in, and be transformed by the life giving water yourself.

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Sadly, there are many so-called “preachers” today who do not fit the pattern of Biblical preaching. What is involved in preaching the word? What did Paul mean by his charge to Timothy?

It is important that Christians understand the need to grow, and how that corresponds to their separation from sin. Growth is never an excuse for, or tolerance of sin. It is God’s provision for one to be transformed into the image of Christ, and separate further from sin.

When the Jews insisted on the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus, Pilate asked, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” (Matthew 27:22) In a way, Pilate asked himself this question, and what he did with Jesus brought great guilt upon him. We, too, must ask ourselves this question every day.

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

We are a people who enjoy telling and hearing stories. The stories of others entertain us, and even can help us learn. We need to realize we are writing our own story, a story that will be opened before God in judgment. What story are we writing for ourselves?

Gambling is a pervasive problem in our society. It is important that Christians avoid the vice, but also know why it is sinful. What’s the problem with gambling?

2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21 record David’s sin in ordering a census. It shows the great cost of sin and salvation in the punishment brought because of the sin, and the great grace of God displayed. It also shows the great cost of sacrifice as David refused to offer that which cost him nothing (cf. 2 Samuel 24:24).

Some in the Lord’s church are discounting the importance of adhering to the pattern of the New Testament revealed by Jesus through the Holy Spirit. It is as though grace and mercy are distinct from the revealed pattern. The former should be emphasized, and the latter should have limited attention given to it. However, Scripture reveals precedent for pattern from the beginning, and in the very nature of God, and pattern from God goes hand in hand with His grace and mercy.

“Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” (Luke 8:18) There are many differing views on a wide range of scriptural topics. Yet, Jesus declares there is one way (cf. John 14:6). How can we know the way, and be sure we are on it? The Master Teacher boils it down to the quality of hearing in each individual.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2) John did not seek to engender confidence in Christians through a tolerance of sin. However, sin can and will strike a Christian again. What do we do with our sin?

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation…of laying on of hands” (Hebrews 6:1-2) The “laying on of hands” is considered milk by the Holy Spirit, but is a topic with much confusion surrounding it.

Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). What does it mean that the Father draws men to Jesus? How does He do it? 

Acts 12 renews some familiar themes. There is a resurgence of persecution, this time by the hand of an evil civil ruler, Herod Agrippa I. However, there is also a resurgence of God’s power, and success of the work of the church.

Acts 9:36-43 records the resurrection of a woman by Peter. The Holy Spirit reveals her name, “Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas,” and explains, “This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.” She stands as an example of true grace and beauty as defined by scripture.

Speaking of the state of God’s people which brought upon them the judgment of captivity, Isaiah wrote, “But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). What did he mean by this? What might be a filthy rag to God in our life?

The Bible reveals that Moses’ parents hid him, protecting him from Pharaoh’s decree, “when [they] saw that he was a beautiful child” (Exodus 2:2). What did they see? What did they understand? Parents today must learn from the faith of Moses’ parents.

Suffering, affliction, and death are common to man. The apostles experienced it greatly, but Paul’s description of His ministry is telling concerning the hope of Christians (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Christians look at the unseen, not the seen. As they trust in God, the negative affliction actually transforms them, and prepares them for “the eternal weight of glory.”

Acts 3-4 record the continuation of events discussed at the end of chapter 2. The church has been established by the authority of Jesus who reigns at the right hand of God, and His power and Kingdom continue to be displayed. It is the name of Jesus which is at the helm of this incredible spiritual revolution, and those who have faith in Him are strengthened to bring glory to God through Him.

“The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) Fear is debilitating, and will not allow us to be the disciples we are called to be. If we trust in the Lord we will be lifted above our fears, and find safety in Him. This second part considers the fears we face in evangelism, and how to overcome them by faith.