Growing Up

Growing Up

Yes, “Christmas” is over for another year:
 The birth of Jesus was a wonderful event – but let’s not leave Jesus lying in that manger as many in the world do every “Christmas”!
 Will you let Jesus grow up, and follow Him daily for salvation?
o Or are you going to leave Him lying in that manger for another year?
Let Jesus Grow Up!

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And in a few days (Lord willing) it will be New Year:
People at this time of the year are usually making “new year resolutions”!
 Let’s resolve to grow up spiritually and act like adults, not trying to return to:
o the Law of Moses,
o or to miraculous spiritual gifts,
o or to the first principles alone!
Let Us Grow Up!

A Trip that Changed a Life. Acts 8:26-40

A Trip that Changed a Life. Acts 8:26-40

Have you ever made a trip that changed your life completely?
 Well the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8b) did!
 He thought that he was on the road back to Ethiopia.
o Actually, he was also on the road to salvation!
 His life was completely changed (cf. Col. 1:13,14)!

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Sadly today:
Today, few preachers preach Jesus as Philip did; few people obey as the man of Ethiopia did; and only those few can go their way rejoicing for exactly the same reason he did, because they have come ‘into Christ’ by the only way the Lord has commanded.
Let’s obey without delay as the eunuch did.
Let’s preach as Philip always did!
Let’s have the real joy which both the eunuch and Philip had!
Let’s think long and hard about “The Trip That Changed A Life”.

Whatever Happened To Sin?

Whatever Happened To Sin?

1. Whatever happened to sin?
2. Whatever happened to the penalty for sin?
3. Whatever happened to the remedy for sin?
The world may be ignoring these, but they are real nonetheless!

Where has sin gone today?
 Is there anything in the world today which is considered to be sin?
 Is sin only that which we decide is sin today? (i.e., Sin is being greatly watered down these days)
 As cultures change, does sin really change?

Let’s keep teaching about sin, its penalty, and its remedy – to help those caught in the devil’s trap (like we ourselves once were)

How to Stay Saved

How to Stay Saved

I would like to base today’s lesson on Acts 2:42 for a couple of reasons:

  1. It relates to the beginning of the kingdom/church (cf. Acts 11:15).
  2. It follows directly after the 3,000 were saved (Acts 2:37-41; note the word “saved” in v. 40).
    • e., Verse 38 = how to be saved.
    • Verse 42 = how to stay

Prove All things pt 3 Hold Fast that which is Good

Prove All things pt 3 Hold Fast that which is Good

You need Faith – But without faith it is impossible to please him

I Have Science

Prove All Things 1Th 5:21 KJV (21)  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Test, Discern, Examine

Be like the Bereans

Why should we prove all things?  

Jesus’ Example of Preaching the Gospel

Jesus’ Example of Preaching the Gospel

There is no better example to study and imitate in “preaching the gospel of God” (Mk.1:14) than Jesus Christ Himself:

  • His teaching was perfect.
  • His conduct was perfect.
  • After all, He was sinless!
1.  Jesus preached in accordance with God’s expectations 
2.  Jesus preached to save the lost
3.  Jesus preached because of compassion for the lost
4.  Jesus’ conversations had a spiritual goal in mind
5.  Jesus’ preaching emphasized God’s authority
6.  Jesus preached to all kinds of sinners
7.  Jesus’ preaching was narrow
8.  Jesus preached baptism to religious people
9.  Jesus preached about commitment
10.  Jesus encouraged others to preach
11.  Jesus’ preaching did not always change lives

Spiritual Growth is a Choice

Spiritual Growth is a Choice

Just as a healthy physical life involves growth, so too a healthy spiritual life is a process of growth

Physical growth takes place naturally/automatically.

  • But spiritual growth is not automatic – it is a choice we have to make.

Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually

Spiritual Growth Is A Choice

  1. Commanded by God
  2. Requires diligent effort
  3. Assisted by God
  4. The example of the Thessalonians

Words of Defeat or Words of Victory?

Words of Defeat or Words of Victory?

How do we react when things don’t go as planned?

  • How do we react when times are hard?

Perhaps you have economic, family or health concerns?

Do we live our lives with words of defeat (like Job’s wife, the sons of Israel, the one talent man, Felix)?

Or do we live our lives with words of victory (like Job, King Hezekiah, Queen Esther, the apostle Paul)?