Sermons and Biblical Studies

Proverbs 11:10, 11; 14:34; 28:12 Righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34). Last year America witnessed a virtual revolution. Forty years of Democratic control of Congress ended as the GOP bulldozed through national elections. Democratic governors, senators, and representatives were sent packing as Republicans moved into Washington. Many Christians breathed a sigh of relief, naively believing … Continue reading “TURN AND HONOR GOD”

Proverbs 17:15; 18:5; 28:4 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord (Prov. 17:15). As this study is being written, one of the most sensational murder trials in American history is in progress. The O.J. Simpson trial has everything a television producer … Continue reading “A DECLINE OF JUSTICE”

Proverbs 22:16, 22; 28:3; 29:7, 14 The righteous considers the cause of the poor (Prov. 29:7). The story of the fiery deaths of Latimer and Ridley during the reign of Queen Mary is well known among Protestant churches. These two non-conformist pastors paid the ultimate price for refusing to adhere to the doctrinal dictates of … Continue reading “JUSTICE FOR THE POOR”

Proverbs 25:17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house (Prov. 25:17). “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and he will hate you” could be summed up in the old proverb “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Some people abuse friendships by being a nuisance. They visit at unexpected and inconvenient hours. They call often … Continue reading “FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT”

Proverbs 18:24; John 13:1–17 … there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24b). If you do not know how to be a friend, learn from Him who is the perfect friend. Jesus Christ gave His life for the salvation of those who scorned Him, mocked Him, and beat Him with all … Continue reading “THE PERFECT FRIEND”

Proverbs 18:24; Ruth 1:1–17 A man who has friends must himself be friendly (Prov. 18:24a). The niv and NASB translated Proverbs 18:24 as “a man of many companions may come to ruin” and “a man of many friends comes to ruin.” But the King James translates it differently: “A man that hath friends must show … Continue reading “THE KEY TO FRIENDSHIP”

Proverbs 27:17; Eccl. 4:9–12; 10:10 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Prov. 27:17 niv). “Man was framed not for solitude, but for society,” wrote Charles Bridges. “It is only as a social being, that his powers and affections are fully expanded.” In the Proverbs, Solomon gives much advice … Continue reading “IRON SHARPENS IRON”

MATTHEW 24:29–44 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matt. 24:35). One of the biggest obstacles in biblical interpretation is cultural conditioning. How do we account for cultural influences? We must let the Bible speak to us rather than our cultural influences. You accomplish this by implementing … Continue reading “JUST ANCIENT HISTORY?”

MATTHEW 5:13–20 “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees …” (Matt. 5:20). Today we will consider three warnings in the interpretation of Scripture. First, when interpreting Scripture be careful to observe the difference between the spirit and the letter of the law. Beware of the dangers of both legalism and antinomianism. … Continue reading “THREE USEFUL CAUTIONS”

DEUTERONOMY 4:1–14 You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it (Deut. 4:2). When reading Scripture, watch for the presence of parallelisms. A parallelism is a relationship between two or more sentences or clauses that correspond in similarity or are set with each other. There are three types of … Continue reading “MORE HELPFUL HINTS”