Sermons and Biblical Studies

A querist asks, “If a young individual attends an instrumental church of Christ, hears The Gospel, responds, and is baptized for the remission of sins, then upon studying the Scriptures, sees the error of using instruments in worship and leaves to attend a non-instrumental church of Christ, is this individual’s baptism valid? Have they been … Continue reading “Is This Individual's Baptism Valid? – Bible study”

A querist asks, “What does James 4:4 tell us?” James 4:4 NKJV states: “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.“ James is simply saying that Christians cannot be a friend … Continue reading “What Does James 4:4 Tell Us? – Bible study”

A querist asks, “How can we tell the difference between the chastening of God (Hebrews 12:5-11 – NKJV) and the trials placed upon us by the devil?” The chastening of the Lord is for our “profit” (KJV) or “good” (ESV) (Hebrews 12:10 – ESV) while the the devil’s ultimate purpose is to “devour” or destroy … Continue reading “Chastening Versus Trials – Bible study”

A querist asks, “I was recently asked this question by a friend who attends a Baptist church. The question is, What if one (who is saved) is involved in sin and does not have a chance to repent before he dies, what happens to him?” According to the Scriptures, if a person is involved in … Continue reading “Involvement In Sin But No Repentance – Bible study”

A querist asks, “In Genesis 15:12-KJV, isn’t this the Lord bringing Abram a vision? I don’t understand why a visitation from God would be called a horror of great darkness.” Genesis 15:12-KJV states: “And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon … Continue reading ““Horror Of Great Darkness” – Bible study”

In the parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32 – NKJV), we’re inclined to single out the prodigal son as having a more degenerate character than his elder brother. However, it’s worth noting that when the story ends, the prodigal is restored, forgiven, and full of joy, while the elder brother stands outside and refuses … Continue reading ““But He Was Angry And Would Not Go In” – Bible study”

If ever there was a tireless worker in the early church, it would have to have been the godly woman, Priscilla. From the Scriptures, we know that Paul not only lived with Priscilla and her husband Aquila while in Corinth, but he worked beside them in their tent making business (Acts 18:3). Their close-knit friendship … Continue reading “Priscilla — A Tireless Worker For The Lord – Bible study”

Selective hearing, especially on the part of children or husbands, is a common phenomenon. One hears what one wants to hear and ignores the rest. “Take out the trash,” is one of those phrases that gets tuned out. “Do your homework,” has to be repeated. But say, “There’s ice cream in the freezer,” and reception … Continue reading “Selective Zeal – Bible study”

In cultures where slavery existed, it was historically common for slaves to be “branded.” This fleshly mark identified ownership. Slaves usually belonged uniquely to one master and served him. They did not belong to or serve two masters. Along this line of thinking, Jesus said that we serve one of two masters either mammon or … Continue reading “Whose “Brand” Do We Wear? – Bible study”

There’s an old proverb that says, “Old tigers, sensing the end are at their most fierce.” There’s a great spiritual lesson for Christians in this proverb that as we inch our way further into life, the experience of Christian living should make us bolder in the face of things that beset us. The Christian life … Continue reading “Diligence — The Urgency Of Endeavor – Bible study”