Sermons and Biblical Studies

A little over two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops rode into Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 and read General Order Number 3: The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves … Continue reading “True Freedom From Sin – Bible study”

In Genesis Chapters 7 and 8, God chose water as the means of destroying mankind with the exception of Noah and his family (Genesis 8:15-18 NKJV; 1 Peter 3:20 NKJV) Thus water became a “dividing line” between the filthy and the cleansed. When God delivered the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, he led them … Continue reading “There's Water In God's Saving Plan – Bible study”

In Malachi 4:5-6, we read of Malachi’s prophecy regarding the coming of Elijah the prophet: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their … Continue reading “The Coming Of Elijah The Prophet – Bible study”

Like all children, my “growing up” years were sometimes filled with a rebellious spirit. Thankfully, my father was a strict disciplinarian who did not allow any act of rebellion on my part to go unpunished. When carrying out the just punishment, he would do so “speedily” in order to make a lasting impression on my … Continue reading “Administering Discipline “Speedily” – Bible study”

The book of Esther tells a story of love, sacrifice, and Gods providential timing. Being a Jew in exile, Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, second in command to King Ahasuerus. Haman became furious and plotted to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews (Esther 3:1-6). So Haman deceived the king and persuaded him to issue … Continue reading “God's Providential Timing – Bible study”

A querist asks, “What is essential to conversion?” New Testament conversion is begun by the sinner being taught the Word of the Lord (Acts 8:29-39; Acts 17:1-3; Acts 18:24-28). David tells us, the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Psalm 19:7 – NKJV). The law of the Lord is the Word of … Continue reading “A Question Regarding Conversion – Bible study”

When we read the book of Acts, we see this pattern: From the second chapter of the book onward, we see the word of God being proclaimed, people hearing the word, believing in Christ, and responding to His gospel in obedient faith (Acts 8:25-40). We see churches being established in Jerusalem, in Samaria, in Antioch, … Continue reading ““They're Too Late” – Bible study”

On one occasion, Jesus spoke a parable against those “who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others” (Luke 18:9 – NKJV). The parable depicted a Pharisee and a publican. In his prayer the Pharisee made himself quite transparent (Luke 18:11-12 – NKJV). The publican also revealed a lot about himself by his … Continue reading “What Our Praying Says About Us – Bible study”

There are Hollywood celebrities who determine which charities they will contribute to, which social functions they will attend, and what acts of generosities they will perform based upon the mass of media coverage. Unless the news media can guarantee their face on the ten o’clock news and their names in the headlines, forget counting on … Continue reading “Headline Chasers Or Heaven's Heroes? – Bible study”

Theres an old English expression called fellow-feeling that is an attitude much needed in the Lord’s church today. As the Lord’s people we should be a “fellow feeling” people, with the capacity to feel joy with others when they have occasion for joy, sorrow in times of sorrow, and compassion in times of need (Romans … Continue reading “Having The Attitude Of “Fellow Feeling” – Bible study”