Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ

Tribulation (Revelation 1:9-11)

Brent — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:00:54 +0000

As we approach Revelation 1:9, John is beginning his explanation as to why he is writing this book. John is going to let his readers know that he did not sit down and decide to write a letter to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Rather, John was instructed to write these words.

To read more of this lesson click here.

When Wealth Is Sin (James 5:1-6)

Brent — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:00:29 +0000

One of the difficult balances in life is dealing with our wealth. We read about people in the scriptures who were wealthy, like Job and Joseph of Arimathea. But we are also aware of scriptures commands warning us against riches. In James 5:1-6 we will read about the problem of riches and wealth. When is wealth sin? When are we misusing our wealth and endangering our souls?

To read more of this lesson click here.

Coming In The Clouds (Revelation 1:4-8)

Brent — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 02:00:17 +0000

The first three verses of the book of Revelation contain the preface. These verses told us the interpretative grid we need to apply to the book to appropriately understand it. Verse 4 begins the book and you will notice that it begins in a typical first century Greco-Roman letter format. The author of the letter (not of the Revelation, which is from Jesus Christ) is John. The letter is written to the seven churches that are in Asia. Recall what we learned from the preface of the book of Revelation.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Ahab: Selfishness on Display (1 Kings 21)

Brent — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:00:23 +0000

We return to the life of Ahab, king of Israel. We noted in our last study that he was the worst king in the history of the nation of Israel. Not only is Ahab the worst king, he is married to Jezebel, who is arguable even worse than him. 1 Kings 21:25 tells us that Jezebel incited Ahab to do evil in the sight of the Lord. In this lesson we are going to read of these two in a great act of wickedness.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Unveiling the Future (Revelation 1:1-3)

Brent — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:00:30 +0000

The book of Revelation is the book in the Bible that is considered to be shrouded in mystery. Many people think that the book of Revelation cannot be understood. Many think that the book is intended to be hard. Before we begin our study, I am going to encourage you with the same words that I always offer. Please enter this study with an open mind. Try to erase any preconceived notions you may have. Study the book of Revelation for yourself.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Pitfalls of Pride (James 4:11-17)

Brent — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:00:54 +0000

Ahab: How To Destroy Your Family (1 Kings 16:29-34)

Brent — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:00:59 +0000

His name is a name that is famous in the scriptures. As children we even learn about the wickedness of this evil man. He was one of the kings of Israel and he was the worst king Israel ever had. The man of infamy is King Ahab. One of the ways we learn how to live our lives is to examine the people who lived in the past who are recorded in scriptures. Not only should we examine the lives of the righteous, but we can learn much from the lives of wicked.

To read more of this lesson click here.

A Gospel Driven Church (Romans 15:14-33)

Brent — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:05 +0000

As Paul wraps up his letter to the Romans, he writes to the church in Rome about his personal travel plans, his expectations of the church in Rome, and the actions of other churches. Rather than simply look at Paul’s agenda, we can look at what Paul writes and learn what a godly, gospel driven church looks like.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Friendship With God (James 4:7-10)

Brent — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:00:47 +0000

You can be friends with God. You can be friends with the One who created all things, has all knowledge, and has all power. You can be friends with the One who can change the course of events. But what must we do to become friends of God?

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Selfless Christ (Romans 15:1-13)

Brent — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:00:16 +0000

When talking about the need to think about the convictions and consciences of other Christians before acting, the greatest example of such selfless thinking and action is our Lord Jesus. In this final paragraph on the topic of not passing judgment on one another, Paul is going to use the example of Jesus as the model for how to deal with disputes and divisions and maintain fellowship.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Friendship With The World (James 4:1-6)

Brent — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:00:56 +0000

We observed in the last lesson the problem of worldly wisdom. Having bitter jealousy, envy, and selfish ambition reveals that we are following the wisdom of the world and not the wisdom of God. The result of worldly wisdom is disorder and every vile practice.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Stumbling Blocks (Romans 14:13-23)

Brent — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:00:43 +0000

In the first twelve verses of chapter 14 Paul has taught Christians in that church to stop passing judgments on each other and despising each other. Jewish Christians were condemning Gentiles Christians about eating unclean foods and not keeping the festivals of Moses. Gentile Christians were despising Jewish Christians for not eating with them, eating all foods, and for keeping the Sabbath and other feasts of Moses.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Two Kinds of Wisdom (James 3:13-18)

Brent — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 17:00:21 +0000

Who wants wisdom? Everyone should raise their hand. I have not met anyone who said that they were not interested in having wisdom. No one wants to be a fool. No one wants to be perceived as a fool. So we seek after wisdom.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Christian Fellowship (Romans 14:1-12)

Brent — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 02:00:08 +0000

Romans 14 has been filled with misinterpretation and misapplication. To apply this text properly we must understand the original meaning first. I think many of the difficulties have arisen because we are trying to plug in our disputes and disagreements into this text without first recognizing that these Christians had disputes over. Before we begin, it is important to make some critical observation about this section that will ease our understanding.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Power of the Tongue (James 3:1-12)

Brent — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:00:11 +0000

Earlier James wrote that those who are practicing true, pure, and undefiled religion before God bridle the tongue (1:26). The next few messages from James are about choosing the right path and practicing godliness that is pleasing to him.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Get Ready – Part 2

Brent — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 02:00:53 +0000

A sermon from Michael Schmidt.

Get Ready

Brent — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 17:00:42 +0000

A sermon from Michael Schmidt.

Owe No One Anything (Romans 13:8-14)

Brent — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 02:00:17 +0000

If the first half of chapter 13 of the book of Romans was not controversial enough, the second half of the chapter does not ease the controversy. Not only are Paul’s teachings challenging, but many of the commands have been misunderstood. To remind us of our context, Paul is still teach us how we live as sacrifices to God, alive, holy, and pleasing to him (Romans 12:1). This is what the life of a true follower of Jesus looks like.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Faith Works (James 2:14-26)

Brent — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:00:52 +0000

Do you have faith? I think nearly everyone in this room will answer this question with a “yes.” We think we have faith. But it is important to let God do a check to make sure that you truly have faith. This is what James is doing in James 2:14-26. Do you have the faith that is acceptable to God?

To read more of this lesson click here.

Psalm 92, A Song For Sabbath

Brent — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:00:43 +0000

The psalms teach us how the believer should react, live, and feel like as servants of God in a fallen, sinful world. This psalm is a psalm for worship. Notice the description before verse 1, “A song for the Sabbath.” Therefore, this psalm teaches us how we ought to approach the gathered, public worship.

To read more of this lesson click here.

No Distinctions (James 2:1-13)

Brent — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:00:43 +0000

One issue that plagues Christians is passing judgments based upon physical appearances. The problem of favoritism and discrimination has been issue even back in the days of Jacob and Esau. This is the issue that James is dealing with in this section of his letter.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Christian and Government (Romans 13:1-7)

Brent — Mon, 24 May 2010 02:00:11 +0000

Chapter 12 concluded with Paul instructing Christians to not repay evil with evil. Instead, let God take care of it. God will bring justice and he will repay. Further, we are to do good to our enemies, knowing that God will set everything right on the day of judgment. But after talking about how individuals are not to repay but to leave room for God’s wrath, Paul is going to instruct that the government does execute wrath. Individuals do not repay, but the government does.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Just Do It (James 1:19-27)

Brent — Sun, 23 May 2010 17:00:37 +0000

One of the more frustrating situations to deal with is people who are full of ideas but never lift a finger to do anything. They can tell you what to do, but they are unwilling to help by doing something themselves.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Fruit of Love (Romans 12:9-21)

Brent — Mon, 17 May 2010 02:00:23 +0000

In this next section Paul gets very practical in his instructions about the fruit of love. This is a description of what true love looks like. This is love in action.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Don’t Blame God (James 1:13-18)

Brent — Sun, 16 May 2010 17:00:32 +0000

It is amazing how God gets blamed for every bad thing, but is ignored for every good thing. For example, millions of planes fly safely every day. No one thanks God that all the planes safely carried passengers through the skies. But one plane crashes and everyone screams at God. People do not “blame” God for the good things that happen in life.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Renewed Thinking (Romans 12:3-8)

Brent — Mon, 10 May 2010 02:00:57 +0000

We have a saying that when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Paul is in the process of teaching the opposite. When in Rome, do not do what the Romans do. Paul began this section by exhorting the Roman Christians to present their bodies as sacrifices that are alive, holy, and pleasing to God.

To read more of this lesson click here.

A New Look on Life (James 1:9-12)

Brent — Sun, 09 May 2010 17:00:38 +0000

How often do we look at the rich when we are suffering and think that they have no troubles! We see ourselves as suffering and the rich being completely untouched by suffering and trials. I think this point of view is one reason why the “health and wealth” preaching that takes place today is successful.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Transform Your Life (Romans 12:1-2)

Brent — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:00:11 +0000

Romans 12 transitions from teaching about what God has done for his people to what God expects from his people. How are the new people of God (the true Israel) supposed to live out their faith in the world?

To read more of this lesson click here.

Wisdom For Trials (James 1:5-8)

Brent — Sun, 02 May 2010 17:00:10 +0000

One of the biggest questions that looms in our minds when trials strike our lives is: What do I do? This question is probably one of the greatest weights when we go through difficult times. We do not know what to do. We do not know what is the right choice.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Your God Is Too Small (Romans 11:26-36)

Brent — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:00:21 +0000

We have arrived at Paul’s thunderous conclusion to the theological aspects of this letter in showing how Jews and Gentiles are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. The mystery of God has been revealed: not all Israel is the true people of God. Jews and Gentiles are branches in the kingdom of God and Jesus is the root.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Trials of Life (James 1:1-4)

Brent — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 17:00:18 +0000

Before we begin, I want to give each of you a warning. James is a dangerous book. The reason it is a dangerous book is because it will change your life if you let the Word into your heart.

To read more of this lesson click here.

All Israel Will Be Saved (Romans 11:16-27)

Brent — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 02:00:16 +0000

This lesson is a continuation from last week’s lesson which covered Romans 11:1-15. In that lesson we saw Paul answering the question, “Has God rejected his people?” Paul’s answer is that Israel has not been rejected by God. The problem is that Israel has been disobedient and contrary.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Saul the king (1 Samuel 15)

Brent — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 17:00:29 +0000

It is approximately 1050 BC and Saul is king of the nation of Israel. The Lord through Samuel commands Saul to attack and destroy the Amalekites because of their wickedness and resistance to God’s people.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Has God Rejected His People? (Romans 11:1-15)

Brent — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:00:09 +0000

Paul begins chapter 11 with a very important question. Has God rejected his people? Paul is not asking if God has rejected the spiritual remnant, the people of God. The answer to that is obvious: of course not. God has purposed to have a people that are his. Rather, Paul is asking if God has rejected his people, the Israelites.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Confessing Jesus (Romans 10:9-10)

Brent — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:00:37 +0000

Romans 10:9-10 is a popular set of verses in the Christian world in teaching people about salvation. What is typically done with this text is to say that all a person needs to do is confess that Jesus is the Lord and believe and that person will be saved. So then the person is directed in some sort of prayer asking to receive Jesus. Is this what Paul meant when he taught the content of the message of salvation in these verses? I believe Romans 10:9-10 have been oversimplified and taken out of their context so that the meaning has lost its original punch which Paul intended.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Salvation To The Ends of the Earth (Romans 10:5-21)

Brent — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:00:00 +0000

The last lesson which covered Romans 9:30-10:4 acts like a bridge for Paul into a discussion about salvation. Gentiles on the whole have attained right standing and a covenant membership in God’s family by faith, while the Jews on the whole have not received this righteousness.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Our God Is A Consuming Fire

Brent — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 17:00:49 +0000

When God came to the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, he did so in memorable fashion. The people were not allowed to come near the mountain, as it shook and burned with fire. God spoke the ten commandments to the people in such a way that struck fear into the hearts of the people and they pleaded with Moses to speak to God because they thought they would die if God spoke to them again.

To read more of this lesson click here.

Adapted from lesson presented by Tommy Peeler at the 2010 Florida College Lectures

Pursuing God’s Righteousness (Romans 9:30-10:4)

Brent — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:00:39 +0000

Paul begins Romans 9:30 with, “What shall we say then?” Paul is going to draw the necessary conclusion from what he just taught in Romans 9:19-29. Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have obtained righteousness and Jews who pursued law to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. What does Paul mean?

To read more of this lesson click here.

Repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Brent — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:00:28 +0000

I have a terrible memory as a young boy. I was about 8 years old. We lived in a house on a hill. We had an enormous backyard that sloped about 100 feet down to a flat area below. We had a garden down there. Beyond the garden there was another house that had an old, run down garage like shed. My friend and I had the bright idea that we would try to throw rocks from the top of our backyard all the way down to the bottom where this garage was to hit the windows.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Patience of God (Romans 9:19-29)

Brent — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 02:00:04 +0000

In chapter 9 Paul is proving how not all of physical Israel is the true Israel, the people of God. God’s promises have not failed because it was never God’s intent to see the fulfillment in physical Israel. Rather, there has always been a winnowing process, a remnant of people, who are truly God’s.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Incurable Wound

Brent — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 17:00:13 +0000

I Will Have Mercy On Whom I Have Mercy (Romans 9:1-18)

Brent — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:00:11 +0000

Chapters 9-11 return to the theme of defending God’s steadfast faithfulness, described as “the righteousness of God” in the early chapters of Romans. The righteousness of God, that is, God’s covenant faithfulness has been revealed through the faithfulness of Jesus for all who believe.

To read more of this lesson click here.

The Wise Foundation (Luke 6:37-49)

Brent — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:00:51 +0000

In today’s lesson we will look at the world’s favorite verse. However, once we properly understand what Jesus is teaching, we will find that it does not mean what many think this verse means.

To read more of this lesson click here.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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