Category: Christian Living

Is God Joking?

Is God Joking?

Does God really mean what He says, or is He joking (= saying ridiculous things which cannot be taken seriously)?

Let’s consider:

  1. Sarah
  2. Lot’s sons-in-law
  3. Some of Pharaoh’s servants
  4. The people of Judah
  5. The crowd with Jairus’ daughter
  6. Mockers in these last days

Day-to-day Interactions with Outsiders

Day-to-day Interactions with Outsiders

Should Christians withdraw from this evil world and hide themselves away? No!

We should be doing good to all people (Gal. 6:10)!

  1. Refuse to grumble or argue (Phil. 2:14)
    • Job
    • Habakkuk
    • Paul and Silas
  2. Live above reproach in a crooked world (Phil. 2:15a)
    • Joseph
    • Daniel
    • Wives with disobedient husbands
  3. Spread light (Phil. 2:15b,16)
    • The woman at the well
    • Peter and John
    • Paul

Sound Doctrine

Sound Doctrine

Many today dismiss the importance of doctrine – opting instead for:

  • opinions,
  • emotional experiences
  • or the everchanging community expectations.

But let’s be reminded in this lesson of the vital importance of sound doctrine.

1. The source of sound doctrine

2. The effects of sound doctrine

“Sound doctrine” = “healthy teaching”.

  • Anything else is regarded as “a different doctrine” (1Tim. 6:3) or “strange doctrines” (1Tim. 1:3).

Sound doctrine saves lives, nourishes churches and brings glory to God.

  • 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Sound doctrine: Know it, speak it, live it, defend it.

Sound doctrine saves lives!

How can you make sure that you will get to heaven?

How can you make sure that you will get to heaven?

“Life” or “fire” are the only two destinations on the day of judgment:

  • Recall 20:15 .

How can you make sure that your name is “found written in the book of life” (v. 15)?

  • How can you make sure that you will get to heaven?
  • The devil is very happy when people are confused about how to get to heaven!

A sobering example

The answer is really very simple:

  1. Become a Christian!
  2. Remain/Stay a Christian!

Jesus said “I am …”

Jesus said “I am …”

Why are we gathering together this morning?

  • There are no doubt many good reasons: obedience to God (Heb. 10:25), worship of God (Jn. 4:24), encouraging one another, (1Cor. 14:26), etc.
  • But surely a very important reason is because of who Jesus is!
Jesus said “I am …”
1. I am the bread of life (John 6:35,41,48,51)
2. I am the light of the world (8:12; 9:5)
3. I am (8:58)
4. I am the door (10:7,9)
5. I am the good shepherd (10:11,14)
6. I am the Son of God (10:36)
7. I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
8. I am the way, and the truth, and the life (14:6)
9. I am the true vine (15:1,5)

Biblical Leadership Tit 1:5-9

Biblical Leadership Tit 1:5-9

  • Choosing Leaders Follow Me Mat 4:18-20; Mar 2:13-14; Mat 16:24; Mat 10:38
  • A leader must serve Joh 13:12-17
  • Go and make disciples Mat 28:18-20
  • Respect your Elders
  • Appointing a Nobel task Tit 1:5; 1Ti 3:1
  • Respect/honour those who watch for your souls 1Ti 5:17-18; 1Th 5:12-13; Heb 13:17
  • Qualities of an Elder/ Overseer Personal Qualities Above Reproach 1Ti 3:7; 2Co 8:21
  • Hospitable Rom 12:13
  • A lover of Good Act 9:36
  • Self controlled/Disciplined Jas 1:12
  • Upright/Holy Job 2:3
  • Able to Teach Tit 1:9
  • A Family Man Tit1:6; 1Ti 3:2; 1Ti 3:4-5
  • What an Elder Cant be 1Ti 3:6; Tit 1:7; Pro 15:18 2Ti 2:24; 1ti 3;3