Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ

The Love of Christ (Romans 8:31-39)

Brent — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:00:21 +0000

We come to the magnificent and thunderous crescendo of assurance, hope, and encouragement. Paul has been bringing us along in Christian assurance. So what can we say about all that God has done for us? What can we say about the privileged position in which we stand?

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Hardest Commandment (Luke 6:27-36)

Brent — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:00:20 +0000

After teaching the disciples and the crowd about who is blessed and who will receive woes, Jesus continues his teaching about what the people of God do and how the people of God act.

To read more of this lesson click here.

All Things Work Together For Good (Romans 8:26-30)

Brent — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:00:15 +0000

We now encounter a section of Romans that each verse has been misunderstood and misapplied. As we read this section of scripture we must remind ourselves that Paul is writing to give assurance to these Christians in Rome that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (8:1).

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Blessed Life (Luke 6:12-26)

Brent — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:00:35 +0000

Jesus is about to make an important decision. The decision is so important that Jesus goes out to a mountain and prays all night to God. When the day comes, Jesus calls his followers and chooses twelve of them. He calls them “apostles.”

To read more of this lesson click here.

Adoption Into the Family of God (Romans 8:12-25)

Brent — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:00:16 +0000

In verses 10-11 of Romans 8 Paul made it clear that Christ gives life to believers. This is the key thought that has too often been lost in the debate over the role of the Holy Spirit. But Paul was not teaching Holy Spirit theology. Rather, Paul is talking relationally and positionally.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Controversial Jesus (Luke 5:33-6:11)

Brent — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:00:52 +0000

In the last lesson we noticed the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law complaining that Jesus was eating with tax collectors and sinners. Luke records another complaint about Jesus and his disciples. The complaint is that John’s disciples fast often and the disciples of the Pharisees also fast. So why aren’t Jesus’ disciples fasting?

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Spirit of Christ Dwells In You (Romans 8:9-11)

Brent — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:00:39 +0000

As we read the scripture I think it will be clear that Paul is assuring those in Christ, not confusing those in Christ. The text must offer assurance, not more questions, if Paul is going to be successful in driving home the point that there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (8:1).

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Great Doctor (Luke 5:12-32)

Brent — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:00:54 +0000

Luke is continuing to reveal Jesus to us. Who is this person and why should we follow him? In the last lesson we noticed Peter understanding that Jesus is the Holy One of God. Peter, James, and John leave their nets and follow him. This leads us into three stories that will help us more fully understand who this Jesus is.

To read more of this lesson click here.

There Is No Condemnation (Romans 8:1-8)

Brent — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:00:41 +0000

The first verse of Romans 8 is the declaration of hope and rejoicing that is unfortunately broken by the chapter break. In chapter 7 Paul has described the Christian conflict. We delight in the law of God and desire to serve God. But at the same time the members of our body is waging war with that knowledge.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Following Jesus (Luke 5:1-11)

Brent — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:00:59 +0000

In our last lesson we saw the unclean spirits knowing the power of Jesus and declaring Jesus to be the Son of God and the Holy One of God. Luke brings us forward in his narrative to show us what our response should be to the knowledge that Jesus is the Son of God.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Inner Turmoil of Sin (Romans 7:7-25)

Brent — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:00:19 +0000

Before Paul addresses the inner turmoil of sin, Paul is following through a line of thinking that originated in Romans 5. Paul has revealed that the Law of Moses does not save, did not justify, and did not provide the forgiveness of sins. Rather, the law revealed sin.

To read more of this lesson click here.

You Are The Son of God (Luke 4:31-44)

Brent — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 17:00:13 +0000

Luke’s emphasis so far in his gospel is to depict who Jesus is. In our last lesson we noticed Jesus describing himself as the Messiah servant, the prophet of God sent to bring good news and set the people free from sins.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Triumph of Grace (Romans 7:1-6)

Brent — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:00:37 +0000

In our last lesson Paul ended with the teaching, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin pays its wage over and over again to those who are under its power: separation from God. In chapter 7 Paul is continuing to discuss the implications of not being under the Law of Moses.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Eli the Priest (1 Samuel 1-4)

Brent — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:00:26 +0000

In this lesson we are going to look at the life of a priest named Eli. The story about Eli is recorded in First Samuel, chapters 1-4. The first chapter tells us about a faithful woman named Hannah who desperately desired a child and her prayer life to God. Eli the priest also prays for her.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Slaves To Righteousness (Romans 6:15-23)

Brent — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:00:28 +0000

In our last lesson we looked at how we can break free from the power and dominion of sin. Christ has set us free and we cannot allow sin to reign in our bodies. We cannot present the members of our body as instruments for sin. We are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God.

To read more of this lesson click here.

What Jesus Preached (Luke 4:14-30)

Brent — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:00:32 +0000

Luke is going to spend some time revealing to us the teachings and activities of Jesus. Jesus is teaching in the synagogues, a place where local Jews convened for the reading of the scriptures and teaching (something similar to church services today).

To read more of this lesson click here.

Saying No To Sin (Romans 6:6-14)

Brent — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:00:48 +0000

At the beginning of Romans 6 Paul has explained that we cannot continue to live in the realm and power of sin because baptism symbolizes our death to the old life and raising up to a new life serving God. The rest of Romans 6 is going to further explain this important point.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Battling Satan (Luke 4:1-13)

Brent — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:00:34 +0000

The importance of the temptation scene in Luke 4 cannot be overstated. This is a showdown between Jesus and Satan. This is a moment where everything is at stake. If Jesus fails, everything is lost and Satan succeeds.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Union With Christ (Romans 6:1-5)

Brent — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 02:00:58 +0000

Chapter 5 concluded with the beautiful thought that where sin increased, grace super increased all the more. Paul taught that grace is more powerful and greater than all our sin.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Baptism of Jesus (Luke 3:21-38)

Brent — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:00:39 +0000

It is now time to learn about Jesus and take the journey with him. There are a couple of observations we need to make that reveal to us the supremacy of what is being recorded concerning the baptism of Jesus.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Gift of Grace – Part 2 (Romans 5:17-21)

Brent — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:00:20 +0000

In our last lesson we observed the overflowing grace offered to the world. Adam introduced sin and death into the world. But Jesus has introduced grace and justification. In this way Adam is a type of the one to come. Both Adam and Jesus were going to affect humanity by a single act.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Preaching Repentance (Luke 3:18-20)

Brent — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:00:17 +0000

In an interesting literary move by Luke, rather than continuing to follow the life of John in sequence, Luke opts to bring John’s life to a close in this gospel with a short statement about John’s imprisonment.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Gift of Grace (Romans 5:12-16)

Brent — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:00:06 +0000

In chapter 5 the apostle Paul has taught that the love of God demonstrated in sending Jesus gives us confidence about where we stand before God. (1) Because we are justified we know God has made peace with us through the atoning work of Jesus.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:15-17)

Brent — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:00:47 +0000

One of the topics that initiates great interest is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be baptized by the Holy Spirit? Is it a supernatural experience? What does it look like?

To read more of this lesson click here.

Psalm 120

Brent — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:00:40 +0000

A Picture of Repentance (Luke 3:1-14)

Brent — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:00:04 +0000

In chapter 3, Luke begins by looking at the ministry of John. John was prophesied to be the forerunner to the Messiah. We are going to learn about how John is preparing the way for the arrival of Jesus, the Savior of the world. John is going to teach us what repentance looks like.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Original Sin (Romans 5:12-21)

Brent — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:00:05 +0000

This section of Romans is perhaps one of the most difficult sections to understand. The number of interpretations are wide and varied. In the process of examining all the difficulties in this section of scripture, it is easy to overlook the main point of Paul.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Filled Up On God’s Love (Romans 5:6-11)

Brent — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:00:45 +0000

Are you aware of the love of God? Do you know that God loves you? I am afraid that one of the problems we face is that we sometimes lose our awareness of God’s love for us. We go through difficult times and question where the love of God is.

To read more of this lesson click here.

In Grace We Stand (Romans 4:23-5:5)

Brent — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:00:01 +0000

Paul has been discussing the bold faith of Abraham. Abraham was justified by faith, not through circumcision or other works of the law. Abraham did not weaken in his faith when he was told that he would be the father of many nations. He considered his own body, recognizing it to be as good as dead in terms of bearing a child, and the same was true for Sarah.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Life Priority (Luke 2:22-52)

Brent — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:00:44 +0000

After the birth of Jesus, Joseph, Mary and Jesus travel to Jerusalem. The law of Moses prescribed for the mother to perform a purification ceremony forty days after giving birth to a son (Leviticus 12:2-8).

Mary needed to go to Jerusalem and make her offering. Notice that the command was to offer a year old lamb as a burnt offering and a turtledove for a sin offering.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Bold Faith (Romans 4:13-22)

Brent — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:00:07 +0000

The apostle Paul has introduced the example of Abraham in chapter 4 of this letter to the Romans. Abraham and David are used as examples of justification by faith, rather than justification by works of the law. Abraham was justified by faith. Abraham trusted in God and God’s covenant promises and God declared Abraham righteous because of that faith.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The King For The People (Luke 2:1-21)

Brent — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:00:27 +0000

A decree is given throughout the Roman Empire by Caesar Augustus that everyone within the empire was to registered. The most likely reason for the census was a registration for taxes. The way the registration took place was for everyone to go to their home city to be registered. For the Jews, this is a return to their ancestral towns to be registered by the Roman government.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Faith of Abraham (Romans 4:1-12)

Brent — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:00:10 +0000

The apostle Paul is going to bring the story of Abraham into the picture. Paul has not left the theme of Romans nor has he gone away from the emphatic points he has made in chapters 2 and 3. Paul wrapped up chapter 3 with some powerful and amazing points concerning justification.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Reaching For Humility

Brent — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:00:58 +0000

A Life of Faith (Romans 3:27-31)

Brent — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:00:38 +0000

One of the difficulties with the section of scripture we are studying is that Paul says so little and means so much. We have already seen this in words and phrases like “works of the law,” “redemption,” and “propitiation.” In verses 27-31 we notice that Paul uses short, quick remarks to amplify the conclusions he has drawn in this chapter. Paul has pointed out that the works of the law (possession of the law, circumcision, Sabbath keeping, clean and unclean food, etc) are not the marks that show a person to be in a covenant relationship with God.

To read more of this lesson click here.

What Child Will This Be? (Luke 1:39-80)

Brent — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:48 +0000

Mary is going to visit Elizabeth. Mary was told that her relative Elizabeth, who was too old to have a child and was physical unable to bear a child, was six months pregnant. This was proof that miracles were happening. This was proof that God was fulfilling his promises. Now was the time in history that God was going to act. God was going to intervene into human history.

To read more of this lesson click here.

God’s Righteousness Through Jesus’ Faithfulness (Romans 3:19-26)

Brent — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:00:36 +0000

In our last lesson we left off with the weight of our own condemnation and unfaithfulness. There is no one who is righteous. All have turned away. But this problem of our unfaithfulness has not given cause to God to be unfaithful toward his covenantal promises. God is going to remain faithful to his word, even if every person were a liar (3:4). Our sinfulness reveals God’s goodness, loving kindness, and mercy. It does not allow us to sin because God is faithful.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Real Faith (Luke 1:26-38)

Brent — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:00:54 +0000

Luke now shifts the story to another couple. The intention of the story is to draw out a dramatic contrast to the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. So as we go through the story, be sure to make mental notes of the things that are similar to Zechariah’s story and the things that are different. In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the angel Gabriel has another message to give. The angel is sent by God to a village in Galilee called Nazareth. Nazareth was a very small town of only a few thousand people at most, perhaps a lot less.

To read more of this lesson click here.

God Is Faithful To You (Romans 3:1-18)

Brent — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:00:22 +0000

The second chapter of Romans has laid out God’s requirements. Be doers of the law and not hearers only. Just because you have the law of God does not mean that this is enough to be justified. God will justify those who are seeking the glory and honor of God (2:7), who are practicing God’s law (2:13), and those who are cut in the heart, whose desire is God (2:29). Also, Paul has taught that being a physical Jew does not justify. Keeping the law of God is what is important to God.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Dealing With Doubt (Luke 1:5-25)

Brent — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:44 +0000

In the days of Herod, king of Judah. We read those words so easily without considering how much they tell us about the setting of the story. Herod was an Edomite and full of wickedness. This is Herod the Great, known for his great architecture and design and for his great cruelty. It is interesting that it is not Luke’s interest to point out the problems of reign of Herod. Herod killed many of his children, his friends, and his wife for fear that they were trying to take his power away from him.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Honoring God (Romans 2:17-29)

Brent — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 02:00:56 +0000

God will repay us according to our works and God shows no partiality in that repayment. Those who seek the glory and honor of God will receive eternal life. Those who are self-seeking will receive wrath and fury. It does not matter who you are or where you come from, these are the facts. To sum up this point, the apostle Paul taught that those who are doers of the law will be justified, not hearers of the law (2:13). The Gentiles were not hearers of the law of Moses, but they were doers of the laws of God, seeking after God.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Introducing Luke (Luke 1:1-4)

Brent — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:54 +0000

Today we begin the Jesus Journey. We are going to take a trip with Luke as our tour guide as he shows us what Jesus did and taught. The gospel of Luke is the longest of the four gospels. Further, it is the only gospel with a sequel, as Luke writes with the intent to continue the story in the book called Acts. Luke not only introduces Jesus and his ministry, bur also shows how this ministry relates to the early church era. Despite the separation of the two books, Luke lays the foundation for many issues that are answered in Acts. Most believe that both the gospel from Luke and Acts were written in 62 AD, since this is when the Acts narrative concludes. There is not much information recorded about Luke, but the few lines we do have give us great insight into who Luke was.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Bronze Serpent – Part 2

Brent — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:00:52 +0000

God’s Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1-16)

Brent — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:00:50 +0000

One of the problems we can easily slip into is a feeling of self-righteousness. We look out at the sinful world and see the grievous sins that are committed and we begin to think of ourselves as better than them. It is not an intentional thought, but just a reality. “We do not sin like those people.” “At least we are trying to serve God.” “But they do not seem to care about God at all.” It is these attitudes that seems to be Paul’s concern as he moves into chapter 2. Paul has condemned all people as being without excuse in chapter 1 for being filled with all manner of unrighteousness and being given over to a debased, unfit mind. Paul directs his attention toward the self-righteous, those who condemn the sinner, and those who think they are living acceptably.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Bronze Serpent

Brent — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:00:04 +0000

The Consequences of Rejection (Romans 1:24-32)

Brent — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:00:32 +0000

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. (Romans 1:24-25; ESV)

In our last lesson we noticed that we have exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images of the things in this world. We have exchanged the real God for worshiping ourselves and our desires. Paul is going to finish this chapter by describing the consequences of this exchange.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Rejection of God (Romans 1:18-23)

Brent — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:00:46 +0000

God is love. God is forgiving. God is kind. God is too good to pronounce eternal judgment on anyone. Or, only the really, really, REALLY bad people will be eternally punished. But not most people. Just the Hitlers and Husseins of the world. This is common thinking in our world today. But Paul has a completely different idea about the character of God. To understand God’s righteousness fully, we need to understand our problem.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Righteousness of God Revealed (Romans 1:16-17)

Brent — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:00:35 +0000

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (ESV)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. 17 For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith. (HCSB)

To read more of this lesson click here.

Commitment

Brent — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:00:39 +0000

Grow In Grace and Knowledge (2 Peter 3:14-18)

Brent — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:00:26 +0000

The Obedience of Jehu

Brent — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:00:58 +0000

A sermon from Berry Kercheville.

The Day of the Lord Will Come (2 Peter 3:8-13)

Brent — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:00:26 +0000

Brent — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:00:57 +0000

A sermon from Terry Francis.

The Grace of the Gospel (Romans 1:8-15)

Brent — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:47:41 +0000

Romans 1:8-15 would be classified as the thanksgiving section of Paul’s letter to the Romans. In the first seven verses of his letter, Paul laid out a general framework of the gospel. What we saw in the last lesson was the gospel was promised through God’s prophets in the holy scriptures. This message concerned the reconciliation of Israel to God, God dwelling with his people, and return from exile. Paul further develops the gospel concept by pointing out that Jesus is the fulfillment of the gospel’s promise. Jesus is Israel’s messiah. Jesus in the way Israel would be reconciled to God. Jesus is the way people are restored to God. But Jesus is not simply Israel’s messiah.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Better To Have Never Known The Way (2 Peter 2:10-22)

Brent — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:00:37 +0000

God’s Good News (Romans 1:1-7)

Brent — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:00:20 +0000

Paul begins his letter with the lengthiest introduction of all of his letters. Notice that he does not address who the recipients are until verse 7! Clearly Paul has something important that he wants to say and he begins to with it before he gets through all the formalities of a first century letter. Paul begins by calling himself a servant of Jesus Christ. While he is a called apostle by our Lord Jesus, he is first and foremost a servant of the Lord. As an apostle Paul has been entrusted with an awesome responsibility — to summon Gentiles to allegiance to Jesus (Acts 9.15).

To read more of this lesson click here.

Rescuing The Godly From Trials (2 Peter 2:1-10)

Brent — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:00:16 +0000

Keys To The Kingdom

Brent — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:00:11 +0000

Pay Attention To Scripture (2 Peter 1:12-21)

Brent — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:00:20 +0000

Supply Your Faith (2 Peter 1:5-11)

Brent — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:00:24 +0000

I Will Build My Church

Brent — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:00:50 +0000

Precious Promises (2 Peter 1:1-4)

Brent — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:00:17 +0000

Upon This Rock

Brent — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:00:05 +0000

Visions of the Savior (Ezekiel 37)

Brent — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:00:53 +0000

The Christian Life (Hebrews 13:9-25)

Brent — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:00:07 +0000

9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

The author has previously spoken about remembering the apostolic leaders who spoke to them the word of God and imitating their faith. Keep to the teachings you have been taught and do not move from them. Verse 9 continues this thinking. Do not be led astray by all of the diverse and strange teachings that are out there. Particularly, the problem was that there was a teaching that they were strengthen by foods, and not by grace. True life is in grace, not in food regulations. We are in the family of God by grace, not by the foods that we eat. We see this problem more expressly described in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Visions of the Savior (Zechariah 3)

Brent — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:00:11 +0000

In God’s Unshakable Kingdom (Hebrews 13:1-8)

Brent — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:00:26 +0000

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (ESV)

As we come into chapter 13, we are left with a number of curiosities. The first is the quick, short nature of the commands in this chapter. After developing his points throughout the lesson, the author of Hebrews gives seemingly random, scattered instructions. The writer is also drawing a sharp contrast that the chapter break obscures. Look at how chapter 12 ended, “Our God is a consuming fire.” Then look at verse 1 of chapter 13, “Let brotherly love continue.” Quite a contrast! So what is the author of Hebrews doing? I believe the author is giving exhortations to us to do these things because God is a consuming fire and because we are in God’s kingdom. These are some of the things that we need to do to remain in God’s unshakable kingdom. Don’t think that you are part of God’s unshakable kingdom if we are not doing these things.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Humility to Endure – 1 Peter 5:5-14

Brent — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:00:35 +0000

In our last lesson we studied Peter’s commands to the shepherds, directing them how to lead the flock. We concluded with the instruction that we, as the flock, are to yield to our shepherds. They have charge over us and we are to yield to their example and direction. Peter now turns his attention back to all Christians. Notice the phrase, “all of you.” So every Christian is in view as Peter gives these final commands.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Shepherd the Flock of God – 1 Peter 5:1-4

Brent — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:00:30 +0000

Peter now gives instructions about shepherds. But what does this have to do with suffering? Has Peter gone on a theological tangent? No, because in verse 9 we see that Peter is still talking about suffering as he concludes his letter. The first word of verse 1, “so” or “therefore,” shows that this discussion is connected to the theme of having hope during hard times. So why is Peter exhorting the shepherds at this point and how does this exhortation fit in with suffering?

To read more of this lesson click here.

You Have Come To Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:18-29)

Brent — Mon, 25 May 2009 02:00:22 +0000

In our last lesson we left off with the author teaching us to not trade in the eternal inheritance of God for the physical comforts of this world. Now the author is going to describe where we have come and pay attention to what we are receiving. We have not come to the physical, but to the eternal.

For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” (Hebrews 12:18-21; ESV)

To read more of this lesson click here.

Consolation In Suffering – 1 Peter 4:12-19

Brent — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:00:53 +0000

Peter describes the suffering of these Christians as a “fiery trial” or “fiery ordeal.” This is a word used of burning metal in a refining process. Don’t be surprised that we are being refined. Don’t be surprised that we go through difficulties and suffering. These hard times come upon us to test us. Friends, don’t be shocked when you go through bad times. These are important reminders because we live in a religious world that thinks and teaches that true Christians do not suffer and do not go through hardships.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Don’t Grow Weary! (Hebrews 12:3-17)

Brent — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:00:21 +0000

This is going to be a hard lesson but I hope you will take God’s teachings to heart as we go through this portion of scripture. In the first two verses of chapter 12, the writer of Hebrews taught us to fix our eyes on Jesus. We need to look to him as our leader of faith. We are to follow the example of the cloud of witnesses that have walked the path of faith before us by laying aside every weight that is slowing us down from righteousness and get rid of the sin that clings so closely to us. The writer now returns to the theme of the sermon which is to encourage these Christians to not give up.

Compare Your Life To Jesus (3-4)

Previously we were told to fix our eyes on Jesus. Now the writer asks for some reflection. “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (12:3). Think about what Jesus endured. Think about what Jesus suffered. Particularly, think about the hostility Jesus endured from sinners. Think about his mistreatment that he endured from his own creation. Why should we think about the suffering of Jesus and how he endured mistreatment? The writer says we are think about this so that we do not grow weary or discouraged. The instructions that follow are to encourage us to not give up or grow weary.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Life For God’s Glory – 1 Peter 4:1-11

Brent — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:00:56 +0000

Peter is still writing hope and encouragement to those who are suffering as Christians. Peter repeatedly relies upon the example of Jesus’ suffering. Jesus suffered for doing right. Jesus suffered as a just person for the world who was unjust and unrighteous. When Jesus suffered, he still acted righteously. He did not retaliate and return evil for evil. Knowing that Jesus suffered in the flesh in this way, we need to prepare our minds for the same way of thinking.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Finish The Race (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Brent — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:00:10 +0000

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. (NET)

In chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews showed us what faith looks like. Faith is being certain in the unseen things, particularly, that God exists and that God rewards those who diligently seek him. The writer has shown us that these heroes had that kind of faith. They endured great tragedy, trials, and loss knowing that their faith was in the better country that God promised. They did not have their eyes and hearts in this world, but desired things better than what we can have here.

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Jesus Died For Your Redemption – 1 Peter 3:18-22

Brent — Sun, 10 May 2009 17:00:49 +0000

1 Peter 3:18-22 is considered by many to be the most difficult passage to interpret. There are numbers of different interpretations that have been given about these verses. As we study the text, it is important that we make sure we do not come out of the context. These verses have been lifted from their context which brings about many of the different interpretations we encounter. Let us look at the verses surrounding this controversial text and see if it gives us some clarity about where Peter is going.

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What Faith Looks Like (Hebrews 11)

Brent — Mon, 04 May 2009 02:00:30 +0000

The writer of Hebrews concluded chapter 10 reminding his audience that the righteous live by faith, not by what is seen. Further, those who give up and shrink back will be destroyed by God. But those who have endurance and keep their faith will preserve their souls. The writer states with confidence that we are those who have faith. In chapter 11 the writer of Hebrews is going to tell us what faith looks like. I have already done a series from this chapter 11 in the spring of 2008 called Heroes. If you want to hear detailed lessons on these heroes of faith, be sure to check out that series of lessons online. Since I went through Hebrews 11 with a fine tooth comb last year, I would like to simply consider the key points of faith from this chapter.

It is fascinating to see how many misconceptions of faith exist considering that Hebrews 11 gives a great explanation of faith and what faith looks like. Some think of faith as having any sort of spirituality. We hear language today that there are many faiths (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc). Some understand faith as having the belief that something good is going to happen to them (the popular teachings of Joel Osteen). Some think of faith as something that is blind, that is, taking a blind leap against known facts. But none of these are descriptions of biblical faith.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. (11:1-2; ESV)

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Suffering For Doing Good – 1 Peter 3:8-17

Brent — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:00:40 +0000

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8; ESV)

The word “finally” clues us in that we are still learning from the apostle Peter about lifestyle evangelism and our need to yield to one another and honor one another. Peter gives us five traits of all disciples of Jesus.

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Exhortation To Faithfulness (Hebrews 10:26-39)

Brent — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:00:30 +0000

This lesson is a continuation of verses 1-25 of Hebrews chapter 10. Chapter 10 reminded us that the new covenant has come with Jesus who came to do God’s will. Therefore, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus and we have a great priest over the house of God. Because of these great blessings we have, we were commanded to draw near with a sincere heart sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. We were commanded to hold fast to the hope we confess because God who promised these things is faithful and trustworthy. Finally, we were commanded to think about how to spur love and good works in one another, not forsaking our meetings together. Now we will continue with the exhortation.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, (ESV)

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Yield In The Home – 1 Peter 3:1-7

Brent — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:00:25 +0000

Peter begins with “Likewise, wives.” Likewise what? Peter has been writing to these exiles live their lives in such a way so that the world will see their good deeds and glorify God for what they are doing (2:12). Peter told them to yield to every human authority (2:13), honor everyone (2:17), and to yield to our masters who are over us (2:18). The theme has been to live our lives with such conduct so as to win people over to God (2:15).

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Superior Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-25)

Brent — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:00:26 +0000

Hebrews 10 is a continuation of the ideas presented in chapter 9. One could argue that this is an unfortunate chapter break because the first verse of chapter 10 is connected to the last verse of chapter 9 with the word “for” or “since,” depending upon the translation. Chapter 9 concluded by teaching us that Jesus is going to return. He will save those who are eagerly waiting for him and judgment is certainly coming when Jesus returns.

The Law Was A Shadow (1-4)

The law of Moses was only a shadow of the good things to come. The law of Moses was not the ultimate reality. Since the law of Moses was just a shadow of the coming good things, it can never make perfect those who draw near by the sacrifices that are offered annually. It simply was not the purpose of the law of Moses to perfect the worshipers. The law was looking forward to the good things to come, that is, sacrifices that can bring the forgiveness of sins. If the law of Moses could perfect the worshiper, then the sacrificial system of the law of Moses would have never stopped. But the law of Moses could never make us complete. The law of Moses could not put us in a right relationship once we sinned. The law of Moses could not perfectly cleanse.

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Yield Like Jesus – 1 Peter 2:18-25

Brent — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:00:02 +0000

Peter has been teaching us to live as a holy nation, a chosen race, and as God’s people who have received mercy. Last week we saw that we are to yield to every human institution. We do this for the Lord’s sake so that people in the world will see our good works and glorify God, though for now they malign you now. In verse 16 Peter told us to “live as servants of God.” Peter is in the midst of discussing the attitude of service and submission as a reflection of being the people of God.

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Superior Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:15-28)

Brent — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:00:56 +0000

Now the writer is going to show us how and why the heavenly sanctuary is far superior to the earthly tabernacle.

(1) Heavenly (11). We saw this contrast earlier but now it is explicitly stated. Jesus has appeared as the high priest over the good things that have come. This happened through the greater and more perfect tent. What makes this tabernacle greater is that it was not made with hands. Humans did not construct the heavenly sanctuary. It is not of this creation. Jesus is functioning as high priest in heaven in the heavenly sanctuary, that is not a copy, but the reality.

(2) Service deals with sin (12-15). Jesus’ priesthood is superior because it effectively deals with sin and the heavenly sanctuary is superior because that is where true atonement is made. Jesus entered the holy places, not with the blood of animals, but with his own blood. It is his own blood that effectively deals with sin, bringing us an eternal redemption. The blood of animals cannot solve the problem of sin. Jesus’ sacrifice is superior to the sacrifice of animals.

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Lifestyle Evangelism – 1 Peter 2:12-17

Brent — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:00:41 +0000

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy street. Suddenly, just in front of him, the light turned yellow. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and repeatedly honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, while also, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very stern looking police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Identifying God’s People – Part 2 – 1 Peter 2:9-11

Brent — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:00:14 +0000

We learned last week that we are called to be living stones, imitating Jesus the living cornerstone, as we are built into a spiritual house. Jesus is the perfect cornerstone and our lives must align with him. We must be cut and molded to fit properly on the cornerstone of Jesus. In verse 9 we see Peter continue these thoughts about who we are as a people and where our identity lies.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Age of Accountability

Brent — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:00:42 +0000

Identifying God’s People – 1 Peter 2:4-8

Brent — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:00:11 +0000

Where do you find your identity? Where do you find your value? Typically, people are finding their identity and value in what they do. We identify ourselves by our profession. We are something (a teacher, a lawyer, etc) rather than this is what we do (I teach, I practice law, etc). The world pressures us to think that it is in secular work that we have value, and if we are not working then we are valueless. But our identity is not found in our achievements. Our value is not tied to our work or the things that we do. Peter is going to remind us of our identity in this section of scripture.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Superior Sanctuary (Hebrews 9:1-15)

Brent — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:00:13 +0000

We have never seen this heavenly sanctuary that the writer of Hebrews speaks about. For that matter, we have not seen the earthly tabernacle either. One thing that I like about the Holy Land Experience in Orlando was the life size replica of the tabernacle. It gives a great visualization of the earthly tabernacle where the sacrifices were made. But Solomon, Stephen, and the apostles pointed out that God did not actually live in the tabernacle. It is not possible for God to live in anything that is made by human hands. But it was symbolic that God was with his people and they were in a relationship with him. Hence, when the people were disobedient, God left the temple, cutting off his people from having a relationship with him. Even when the temple was reconstructed after the captive by Zerubabel and expanded by Herod, God did not dwell in that temple. Josephus records that the Holy of Holies was empty after the Babylonian exile. Though the temple stood, the house was left desolate (Matthew 23:38). God was not in a relationship with his people.

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Honor Marriage (Hebrews 13:4)

Brent — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:00:59 +0000

Superior Covenant (Hebrews 8)

Brent — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:00:50 +0000

Chapter 7 told us about the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood by showing that Jesus’ priesthood was after the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood of Melchizedek was far superior than the Levitical priesthood. Chapter 7 went through the explanation of how Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood. We move into chapter 8 and see that the author has been leading us to make an important argument. Chapter 8 begins, “Now the point in what we are saying is this.”

1 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. (ESV)

This is how we ended our last lesson. What a Savior we have! What a great high priest! Jesus as our high priest has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Love One Another Deeply – 1 Peter 1:20-2:3

Brent — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 17:00:31 +0000

In our last lesson we looked at the command that we set our hope fully on his grace. We cannot have divided interests or a divided hope. We cannot place some of our hope on the things of this world and some of our hope on Jesus. A divided hope causes us to be crushed and depressed during difficult times. Peter is now going to give us another tool for endurance and another reason for hope during times of suffering and distress. Let us pick up our study where we left off in 1 Peter 1:20.

20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. 21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. (NLT)

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A Superior High Priest (Hebrews 7)

Brent — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:00:16 +0000

The author of Hebrews has mentioned twice that Jesus is high priest after the order of Melchizedek. The first statement is found in Hebrews 5:10, but the author could not speak about what he wishes concerning Jesus’ priesthood and the priesthood of Melchizedek because the audience is dull of hearing. In chapter 6 the author spent his time challenging the readers to move away from the ABCs and move away from spiritual laziness. Then he concludes this discussion in 6:20 with the same point, “Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Notice the addition of the word “forever” because this is the direction of where he wants to go in his discussion in chapter 7.

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Set Your Hope On His Grace – 1 Peter 1:13-19

Brent — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 17:00:07 +0000

In the last lesson we examined the living hope that we have as believers in Jesus the Christ. We have an inheritance that will not perish and will not fade reserved for us in heaven. Peter taught that we can endure the various trials that we face because we have hope, an inheritance, a tested faith, salvation, and a privilege to live during these last days, the days of the Messiah. The apostle Peter is now going to give help to get us through difficult times.

To read more of this lesson click here.