Orangeburg (SC) Church of Christ Audio

When in danger of going the wrong way, sometimes an illustration works best to make a case for turning to the right way. Paul’s uses the story of Hagar and Sarah and their sons to illustrate the difference between justification by works and justification by faith. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

When Jesus spoke of God’s ideal for marriage in Matthew 19, he took a very narrow view of what permitted a divorce to take place.  In response, his disciples supposed it might be better not to be married. Join us as we consider how Jesus responded to that idea, as well as what Paul says … Continue reading Better Now to Marry? – Matthew 19:10-12 (5/17/26 a.m. sermon)

As Philippians begins to draw to a close, Paul addresses two sisters who needed to mend fences. He explains how keeping a proper focus, on joy and gentleness, on prayer and good things, can help us to maintain unity as brethren and work together in service to the Lord. Teacher: Matt Burleson

In this week’s class, we conclude our discussion of Revelation 16 by focusing on the final bowl of wrath.  Toward the end of the lesson we do transition into some introductory material for chapter 17, but we will primarily focus on that discussion next week. Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Having been set free in Christ, we’ve been broken out of our captivity to those things which held us in bondage before.  But just like the Galatians, we sometimes find ourselves in danger of submitting again to the yoke of bondage.  Paul would warn us, and urge us, remember who you are now in Christ, … Continue reading Why Turn Back? – Galatians 4:1-20 (5/10/26 p.m. sermon)

There aren’t many occasions when Jesus addressed motherhood directly, but when he does, there is often a deeper spiritual principle that can be understood and followed by all of his disciples. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

There are examples worth imitating, and their examples not worth imitating. As we walk with Christ, we need to be aware of both, and make sure we are following those examples that will help us to stand firm and help us to keep our focus heavenward.  Teacher: Justin P Sivley

This week we spend our time focused on the sixth bowl of God’s wrath, which symbolically dries up the Euphrates, and makes way for armies to gather at a place called Armageddon.  While there are a lot of things that are believed about Armageddon, a careful examination of the Scripture lets us shed some light … Continue reading That You May Overcome: Revelation 16 – Seven Bowls of Wrath – Part 2 (5/6/26 Bible Class)

We often sing that we stand on the solid rock of Christ.  But how often do we, in practice, try to stand on sinking sand.  One way we try to do this is when we put our trust in our selves, in our own righteousness and performance, rather than the completed work of Christ. Speaker: … Continue reading Built on Nothing Less – Galatians 2:16 (5/3/26 First Sunday Devotional)

Jesus answered a question about marriage and divorce, not by appealing to the Law, but by appealing to the pattern that God set forth from the beginning.  He discusses not only the origin of marriage, but also limitations and the duration intended for marriage. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

This week we continue in Philippians 3 and Paul’s admission that he has not yet obtained his goal.  Nevertheless, he was determined to keep pressing on, to keep running the race so that he might recieve his reward in Christ.  And through his example, we are encouraged to do the same. Teacher: Allen Hutchison

Following the set up for this chapter in Chapter 15, our study turns to the actual pouring out of the bowls which contain the plagues of God’s wrath. It should be remembered that these are not literal events that we are looking for in the future, but symbolic representations of the judgement of God, and … Continue reading That You May Overcome: Revelation 16 – Seven Bowls of Wrath – Part 1 (4/29/26 Bible Class)

We here a lot these days about identity, but Paul’s goal in Galatians 3 is to remind Christians that our identity is in Christ.  It isn’t in keeping the law. It isn’t even in what we were before Christ.  It is in Christ. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Jesus Christ is more than a man, he is the eternal God.  He was there in the beginning, and his plan and purpose is from eternity and into eternity. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

We will admit that we goofed a bit this week, and accidently taught the material for lesson 8 again, instead of lesson 9 which was the plan.  We will continue with lesson 9, focusing on Philippians 3:12-16 next week.  Once again in this lesson we focus on a Christian Worldview, and keeping our focus on … Continue reading Philippians: Lesson 8.5 – A Christian Worldview – Philippians 3:1-11 (4/26/26 Bible Class)

Revelation 15 is the shortest chapter in the book, and it sets up much of the rest of the book.  While the saints sing praise to God in his throne room, preparations were made for the pouring out of God’s wrath against all of his enemies. Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

A person becomes a Christian, is justified in Christ when upon hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, he responds in faith.  He does not then transition into a salvation that is based on how good a person can be, but he continues to depend on his faith in Christ.  It is a faith that influences … Continue reading Believer or Bewitched – Galatians 3:1-14 (4/19/26 p.m. sermon)

Jesus claimed that the Law and Prophets would remain until they were brought to their completion.  He himself fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, bringing them to completion in himself.  In this lesson we look at how Jesus fulfilled the three parts of the Hebrew Bible: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. Speaker: Justin … Continue reading The Word Fulfilled – Matthew 5:17-18 (4/19/26 a.m. sermon)

There are some things that we all generally agree have value: gold and diamonds for example.  Other things may be valuable to you, but not to anyone else, like a letter written by a loved one before they died. In Philippians 3, Paul is calling us to consider what has true value, to not put … Continue reading Philippians: Lesson 8 – A Christian Worldview – Philippians 3:1-10

After forgetting to hit the record button during class on Wednesday night, I have re-recorded the material that was covered in that class as we focus on the harvest scene at the end of Revelation 14. Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

A different gospel can be preached through both words and through actions.  Paul talks about a time when Peter taught a different gospel through his actions, and then needed to be confronted.  In that confrontation, Paul reminds us that justification is not by the good works that we do, but by our faith in Christ … Continue reading By Works or By Faith – Galatians 2:11-20 (4/12/26 p.m. sermon)

The gospel is the greatest story ever told, yet it is one of the most rejected stories that has ever existed.  There are many reasons why people might reject the cross, and one of them is one that we must be very careful not to contribute to. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Paul opened Philippians 2 with a reminder of the ultimate example of a servant that we have in Christ.  The chapter ends with two more examples of servants who let their lights shine in their love and service for their brethren. Teacher: Allen Hutchison

Our studies with Revelation continue with a discussion of the third message from the three messengers in Revelation 14, focusing on the judgement of those who give their allegiance to the beast. Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

When Paul visited the church in Jerusalem as he details in Galatians 2, they didn’t add anything to his message.  But they did make one request, that he would remember the poor, something all Christians should be eager to do. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

The Lord’s Supper is a special observance, a celebration and a remembrance observed by Christians each and every week.  It is a blessing to have such a frequent reminder of all that God has done for us. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

The gospel that Paul proclaimed was nothing more or less than what had been revealed to him in Christ.  He spoke strong words against those who would add to the gospel, and we should be mindful today that we don’t accept, or teach, anything that is different from the truth. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Not everything that Jesus taught is easy to understand.  Even during his ministry, there were those who turned away from him because they couldn’t understand.  What about us?  Are we with Jesus even when we don’t fully understand? Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Paul’s love for the church in Philippi was apparent. So was his love for the gospel.  No matter what circumstances Paul found himself in, he was going to use it to the glory of God.  And the task falls to us as well to glorify God no matter what life brings to us. Teacher: Justin … Continue reading Philippians: Lesson 4 – Growth of the Gospel – Philippians 1:12-30 (3/22/26 Bible Class)

Revelation 13 introduces us to two figures who work in service of Satan (the dragon).  These two beasts represent entities that were very much a concern to John’s original readers, but are still alive in the world today.  The first beast, representing empire, is supported by the second beast, the false prophet, who appears as … Continue reading Revelation 13: The Dragon’s Lieutenants – Part 2 (3/18/26 Bible Class)

Once again we are blessed to have Brother Bonaparte with us to bring the afternoon lesson.  This discussion focuses on Ephesians 4:4-6 and the need for unity in the church of our Savior. Speaker: Johnny Bonaparte

We are pleased to have with us today Brother Johnny Bonaparte, from the Central Carolina School of Preaching, as our guest speaker.  He brings us a much needed reminder about the nature of true repentance based on Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 7. Speaker: Johnny Bonaparte

As Paul opens his letter to the Philippians, he expresses his love for them and for their fellowship, giving thanks for their work in the gospel and expressing his desire for God’s grace and peace upon them. Teacher: Allen Hutchison

Our most recent study in the book of Revelation continues our discussion of Chapter 13 and the servants of the Dragon known as the Beast and the False Prophet. This week we deal primarily with the beast from the sea (commonly called simply, the Beast), who represents human empires who so often stand in opposition … Continue reading Revelation 13: The Dragon’s Lieutenants (3/11/26 Bible Class)

Paul opens the letter to the Galatians in a stark way, giving a strong warning to the Galatians about the danger of departing from the gospel. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Jesus was invited to dine in a Pharisee’s home, and a contentious situation led to a lesson on the need that all have for forgivness. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

This week’s lesson concludes our look at the continuous failure of the dragon and his refusal to give up the fight in Chapter 12 to the first of two servants of the dragon, presented in the form of beasts, in Chapter 13. Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Knowing that we live in a world that is exceedingly divided, it is ever more important to not let such divisions take root in the church.  In Philippians, Paul speaks of two sisters that had let division come between them, but needed to come back to together.  What follows are some thoughts that can help … Continue reading Overcoming Division Through Joy – Philippians 4:4-9 (3/1/26 First Sunday Devo)

In Mark 2 we see an example of Jesus’ power to heal in two ways.  By speaking the word, he both forgives the paralytic man of his sins, and heals him of his infirmity.  Though Jesus cares about our physical needs, his greatest concern is for our spiritual need, which is the reason he came … Continue reading His Healing Words – Mark 2:1-12 (3/1/26 a.m. sermon)

This quarter we will be studying the the book of Philippians, but in the first two lessons, we will be looking at a bit of background in the book of Acts.  This first lesson deals with the planting of the church in Philippi when Paul came there during his second missionary journey. The first few … Continue reading Philippians: Lesson 1 – The Church at Philippi – Acts 16:11-40 (3/1/26 Bible Class)

Revelation has one primary message: God’s people win, and the dragon (Satan) does not.  That is seen especially clearly here in Chapter 12, where even if we don’t understand every symbol, we can understand that at every turn, the dragon is thwarted, and he does not win. Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

We call them the “minor” prophets, but the last twelve books of the Old Testament are anything but minor in the message they provide. Even as we consider what these books can teach us about our God, we also see how the gospel is woven throughout these books of prophecy. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Jesus called on his disciples to serve one another, and in John 13 he gave a practical example of what such service looked like.  The cleansing which he offered his disciples on that night foreshadowed the more complete cleansing that would be offered through the cross.  As his disciples, we must strive to walk as … Continue reading Walk as He Walked – 1 John 2:3-6; John 13:12-17 (2/22/26 a.m. sermon)

Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, but these words from God to the people of Edom have much to say to us today. It is a reminder that mistreatment of others, even if that mistreatment is through inaction, will never be acceptable to God. Teacher: Matt Burleson

Revelation 12 opens on a new section of the book in which a significant focus is going to be placed on the enemy and his agents.  The overall message of these chapters is still the same as has been throughout the book: no matter what, the enemy does not win.  Christ, and Christ’s people, do! … Continue reading That You May Overcome: Revelation 12 – The Woman and the Dragon – Part 1 (2/18/26 Bible Class)

Joel gives a vivid image of what repentance really is.  It’s not just outward demonstrates, but a true change of heart that leads to a change of action.  God sent his judgement on his people to call them back to him, serving as an example of us in the church. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Jesus calls for radical commitment from those who are going to follow him. It requires saying “no” even to those things that seem most important in life.  It requires us to deny self, to say that we are not our own bosses, but He is.  It is about complete surrender, through which we gain the … Continue reading Are You All In? – Luke 14:25-33 (2/15/26 a.m. sermon)

The Day of the Lord is mentioned in Joel more than any other prophet, and in more than one sense.  It speaks of divine intervention, to bring about God’s will, either in judgement or in furthering his plan for the world.  In Joel 1, it is a day of judgement as a locust plague devastates … Continue reading The Minor Prophets: Lesson 12 – Joel (2/15/26 Bible Class)

This week we finish the discussion of the two witnesses, discussing their deaths and subsequent resurrection, and what those things mean for faithful disciples of Jesus in every age.  All that remains in Chapter 11 is to consider the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which we will explore in our next lesson. Teacher: Justin P. … Continue reading That You May Overcome: Revelation 11 – Two Witnesses – Part 3 (2/11/26 Bible Class)

Malachi’s prophecy was about change in the present, but it also spoke of good things to come in the future.  The Christ was coming, and he would purify a people for God like had not been done before. Speaker: Justin P Sivley

Jesus’ invitation to “Come to me” is for all people.  It is an opportunity to be a disciple of the One who is most worthy of our following, and to recieve the promises that he offers. Speaker: Justin P. Sivley