Sermons and Biblical Studies

1 CORINTHIANS 14:20–25 … tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers … (1 Cor. 14:22). In vv. 20–25, Paul sends a wake-up call to any church that encourages the chaotic exercise of tongues. He tells them to put off such evil behavior and to be mature in their understanding … Continue reading “A BLESSING OR A CURSE?”

1 CORINTHIANS 14:6–19 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks (1 Cor. 14:11). Because so many people think the type of “tongues” Paul is talking about here is an ecstatic utterance, inarticulate sounds that carry no meaning for the speaker, we must … Continue reading “IS IT JUST NOISE?”

1 CORINTHIANS 14:1–5 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church (1 Cor. 14:4). Paul clearly connects tongues and prophecy because both involve people speaking under the influence of the Spirit, with the only difference being the language that was used. Because the gift of prophecy offers direct, … Continue reading “TONGUES AND PROPHECY”

1 CORINTHIANS 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Cor. 13:13). While spiritual gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are useful only in our present, temporal circumstances, faith, hope, and love abide, or are considered to be permanent. This understanding of Paul’s use of … Continue reading “THE GREATEST IS LOVE”

1 CORINTHIANS 13:8–12 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away (1 Cor. 13:10). Love is greater than other gifts because it is eternal: “Love never fails.” Our eternal God is described as the essence of love. We cannot even begin to grasp what it … Continue reading “LOVE NEVER FAILS”

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1–7 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal (1 Cor. 13:1). Returning to our study of 1 Corinthians, we find that many Christians, like the Corinthians, exalt gifts instead of character. They foolishly substitute what is … Continue reading “THE GREATEST GIFT”

DANIEL 2:40–44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed … (Dan. 2:44). The popular hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” describes the church in its current state, as the church militant. This does not mean that the church wields the sword, but it … Continue reading “THE CHURCH MILITANT”

1 TIMOTHY 4:1–11 … in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons … (1 Tim. 4:1). A commonly asked question of leaders in ministry is “When is it time to leave a church?” or “When is the church no longer the church?” Does there ever … Continue reading “WHEN TO LEAVE A CHURCH”

MATTHEW 13:24–30; 36–43 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared (Matt. 13:26). In Matthew 13:24–30; 36–43, Jesus teaches that the visible church on earth is a mixed body of tares and wheat, reprobate and elect. Jesus’ teaching proves that we can never have a “purely Christian” church … Continue reading “TARES AMONG THE WHEAT”

MATTHEW 16:13–20 … you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). In the fourth century, the Council of Nicaea described the church in its Nicene Creed as “one, holy, catholic, apostolic church.” Today we will look at each of … Continue reading “THE CHURCH DEFINED”