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Paul comforts the Christians with the assurance of God's peace. I. The Content of Peace A. Peace with God B. Peace within one's soul II. The Peculiar Characteristic of Peace A. "which surpasses all comprehension"—lit., "all mind" B. It's almost beyond belief; superlative beyond description III. The Power of Peace A. "shall guard your hearts and minds" 1. To guard—II Cor. 11:32; Gal. 3:23; I Pet. 1:5 2. Your hearts [innermost being] and minds [rational part] 3. Various kinds of peace serve as comfort to the believer 4. Peace of personal salvation protects against Satan B. "in Christ Jesus" 1. A reference to union with Christ 2. It also means that in His Person one can find peace Application A. Avoid the opposites of peace—weeds and false peace B. Pay attention to the conditions for peace C. Develop this true fruit D. If you don't have this peace . . . 1. Be careful not to fall into great resentment 2. Acknowledge your restless condition (Is. 57:20) 3. Surrender to the God of peace (Phil. 4:9)
Episode Summary: Ideas have consequences. Bad ideas have victims. This episode examines the impact of critical theory aka cultural Marxism, upon some Christians' thinking today in their view of ICE, law-enforcement, and gender roles. For Further Prayerful Thought:How does “cultural Marxism” sound like what you've heard about (economic), i.e. regular Marxism?If justice means there must be no disparities of money, ability, or power in society, why does it logically follow that the “have nots” will be hostile to the “haves?” Why might they be able to justify a revolution as Mao did in China?Why would it be tragic if the legitimate enforcement of the law were seen as authoritarianism? Knowing that holders of authority can and do use it unjustly, why do you think God takes such a strong stand (in Rom 13 and I Pet 2) requiring Christians to obey authority.What do you think of the argument that the biblical teaching about gender roles and church leadership is so clear that to deny it strongly suggests Christians are being shaped by culture and not Scripture? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)
What does I Pet. 1:10 mean?
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October 22, 2025 Dan. 3:1-30; Ps. 119:73-80; Prov. 26:1-2; I Pet. 5:1-14
October 21, 2025 Dan. 2:24-49; Ps. 119:65-72; Prov. 25:18; I Pet. 4:7-19
October 21, 2025 Dan. 2:24-49; Ps. 119:65-72; Prov. 25:28; I Pet. 4:7-19
October 20, 2025 Dan. 2:2:1-23; Ps. 119:59-64; Prov. 25:25-27; I Pet. 4:1-6
October 19, 2025 Dan. 1:1-21; Ps. 119:49-56; Prov. 25:23-24; I Pet. 2:18-25
October 18, 2025 Ezek. 48:1-35; Ps. 119:41-48; Prov. 25:20-22; I Pet. 3:1-7
October 18, 2025 Ezek. 48:1-35; Ps. 119:41-48; Prov. 25:20-22; I Pet. 3:1-7
October 17, 2025 Ezek. 47:1-23; Ps. 119:33-40; Prov. 25:18-19; I Pet. 2:11-25
October 16, 2025 Ezek. 46:4-24; Ps. 119:25-32; Prov. 25:17; I Pet. 2:1-10
October 15, 2025 Ezek. 45:13-46:3; Ps. 119:17-24; Prov. 25:16; I Pet. 1:13-25
October 15, 2025 Ezek. 45:13-46:3; Ps. 119:17-24; Prov. 25:16; I Pet. 1:13-25
October 14, 2025 Ezek. 45:1-12; Ps. 119:9-16; Prov. 25:15; I Pet. 1:7-12
October 13, 2025 Ezek. 44:1-31; Ps. 119:1-8; Prov. 25:11-14; I Pet. 1:1-6
Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Today's podcast has some associated notes and verse references. I'll add them here.The Destruction of Jerusalem- Roman Siege Led by Titus (70AD - after four year revolt)- Fall of the Second Temple (Destruction of Religious Center)- Massive Loss of Lives (1 Million dead / 100k captured)- Political and Religious Fall (Jewish life and faith dismantled)Preparing for Judgment (Luke 21 - Jerusalem and the Last Day)- Do Not Be Captivated By Wealth (Lu. 21:1-6; II Pet 3:10-13; I Tim. 6:17-19)- Prepare for Intense Opportunities (Lu. 21:13-19; I Pet. 3:14-22; 4:12-19)- Abandon what God will Judge (Lu. 21:20-24; I Jn. 2:15-17; I Pet. 4:1-6)- Guard Your Heart Every Single Day (Lu. 21:34-36; I Thes. 5:1-11; Phil. 4:4-9)Excel Still More Journal - AmazonDaily Bible Devotional Series - AmazonSponsors: Spiritbuilding Publishers Website: www.spiritbuilding.comTyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487
Texts: Matt 16: 13-20, Eph 1: 15-23, I Pet 2: 1-12, Rom 12: 1-8, Heb 12: 18-29, Rev. 19: 1-10 Intro: The Church transcends culture, ethnicity and politics – while in the world, it is not of it … hence the ability to confront sin and structures - Passtor Joseph Thomas - Sunday, August 3, 2025
Texts: Matt 16: 13-20, Eph 1: 15-23, I Pet 2: 1-12, Rom 12: 1-8, Heb 12: 18-29, Rev. 19: 1-10 Intro: The Church transcends culture, ethnicity and politics – while in the world, it is not of it … hence the ability to confront sin and structures - Passtor Joseph Thomas - Sunday, August 3, 2025
Theme: The Lord requires the maintaining and promoting of truth, and of our own and our neighbor's good name. I. Truth A. Truth between man and man—Eph. 4:25; Zech. 8:16 B. Standing for the truth 1. Attitude a. Sincerely—Psalm 15:2 b. Freely—Jeremiah 9:3 c. Clearly—Jeremiah 42:4; Acts 20:20 d. Fully—Acts 20:27 2. Speaking it—Proverbs 31:9; 14:5 II. Good Name A. Our own (defending and deserving) 1. Defending it 2. Deserving it a. Acting in a proper manner—I Pet. 3:15-16 b. Keeping of lawful promises 3. Why be concerned about our good name? a. For God's glory—Matt. 5:16; I Pet. 2:12 b. A good name has many benefits Application A. Be transparent—honesty is always the best policy 1. You never have to worry if you tell the truth 2. Let your light shine before men 3. Hating the light implies that the deeds are evil B. Make sure your foundation for truth-telling is in Christ 1. He is the way, the truth, and the life 2. It is the truth of the gospel
I Cor 15 Importance 15:1-5, Psalm 16 & 88, Luke 18:31-33 Credibility 15: 5-8, Acts 2:36-41 Necessity 15:12-19 Result: 15:20-23, I Pet 1:13, Eph 2:4-5 Col 3, Rom 8
The Belgic Confession (Article IX)Evening SermonFurther Scripture References:- Matt. 28:16-20- I Pet. 1:1-2
Don't leave your gifts unopened under the tree!Isa 9:6Isa 7:14John 3:14-16Numbers 21:5-9I Cor 15:22Rev 13:8John 12:32,33I Pet 2:24GAL 3:13
As Paul addresses some of the problems with the church in Corinth, he is most concerned with how corporate worship is conducted. Is it a symphony of harmonizing parts for the common good? Does it build up all who are gathered? Temple – build up, edify: seven times (3, 4 (twice), 5, 12, 17, 26 Paul is using a metaphor related to building a temple, of building up the corporate Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Body of Jesus, Jesus himself being the True Temple. Peter uses the same metaphor: “You yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood…” I Pet. 2:5 As we consider prophecy and spiritual language (tongues), we need to hear Paul address how the church should function in worship so that all the gifts of the Spirit are offered FOR THE COMMON GOOD. "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” I Cor 12:7 In verse 2 forward, Paul clarifies the proper use of prophecy and tongues in public worship. As we make love our aim, the use of our spiritual gifts has a specific impact on all those gathered in worship. How shall we understand these two gifts? “2 For one who speaks in a tongue speak not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” 1. This spiritual language called tongues is not speaking horizontally, but vertically, i.e., to God… he utters mysteries in the Spirit. We understand that speaking to God is actually prayer, praise or worship directed towards God. So tongues is prayer, thanksgiving, in spoken word and song (14:15). 2. Speaking, singing, giving thanks in the Spirit (tongues) builds up the person employing the gift. Prophecy edifies the whole assembly. “ v. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself , but the one who prophesies builds up the church.” Paul is saying that praying in tongues is a powerful means of strengthening one's life in Christ. Paul refers to the use of tongues in public as needing interpretation, and when in private devotion, interpretation isn't necessary (one is built up by speaking directly to God in prayer. Let me return to this. For now, one's prayer in tongues edifies, strengthens the person actively praying. Jude 20 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith [and] praying in the Holy Spirit… KJV, NASV, RSV, NRSV do not add “and” … inferring how to build up your most holy faith, praying in the Spirit. Both Jude 20 and Romans 8:26-27 are interpreted by NT Scholars Gordon Fee and Peter Davids as praying in transcendent, trans-rational prayer language. They both refer to I Cor. 14:14-15. Praying in the Spirit? All forms of tongues are considered praying in the Spirit. Verse 5: Now I want you all to speak in tongues (public / private), but even more to prophesy. What is prophecy? A beginning definition might be “speaking forth something God has spontaneously brought to mind.” Michael Green's summary is another good working definition of prophecy: ‘a word from the Lord through a member of his body, inspired by his Spirit and given to build up the rest of the body.' Prophetic Impact (14:1–5) (I Corinthians by David Pryor) 1. Upbuilding: Any purported word of prophecy that undermines or shakes the faith of others must be rejected. conversation. (2) The second word is encouragement (paraklēsis), the same root as the word used in John to describe the Holy Spirit as Paraclete, Advocate, Counsellor. It literally means ‘to be called in alongside' to assist and support. (3) Paul's third word to describe how a true word of prophecy will help the church is consolation (comfort) (paramythia). This has the sense of whispering in the church's ear, probably in the sense of allaying fear and enabling God's people to be calm under pressure. ‘ If this is something of the impact prophecy can have on the church, it is no wonder that Paul wants every Christian to desire such a gift.
By Mitchell Knapp in Omaha, NE - December 9, 2023 - A major historical event is documented in I Pet 3:18-20. It illustrates some interesting aspects of God's Plan and how he reveals it to us in due time.
October 22, 2023 Dan. 3:1-30; Ps. 119:73-80; Prov. 26:1-2; I Pet. 5:1-14
October 21, 2023 Dan. 2:24-49; Ps. 119:65-72; Prov. 25:28; I Pet. 4:7-19
October 21, 2023 Dan. 2:24-49; Ps. 119:65-72; Prov. 25:28; I Pet. 4:7-19
October 20, 2023 Dan. 2:1-23; Ps. 119:59-64; Prov. 25:25-27; I Pet. 4:1-6
October 19, 2023 Dan. 1:1-21; Ps. 119:49-58; Prov. 25:23-24; I Pet. 3:8-22
October 18, 2023 Ezek. 48:1-35; Ps. 119:41-48; Prov. 25:20-22; I Pet. 3:1-7
October 18, 2023 Ezek. 48:1-35; Ps. 119:41-48; Prov. 25:20-22; I Pet. 3:1-7
October 17, 2023 Ezek. 47:1-23; Ps. 119:33-40; Prov. 25:18-19; I Pet. 2:11-25
October 16, 2023 Ezek. 46:4-24; Ps. 119:25-32; Prov. 25:17; I Pet. 2:1-10
October 15, 2023 Ezek. 45:13-46:3; Ps. 119:17-24; Prov. 25:16; I Pet. 1:13-25
October 14, 2023 Ezek. 45:1-12; Ps. 119:9-16; Prov. 25:15; I Pet. 1:7-12
October 15, 2023 Ezek. 45:13-46:3; Ps. 119:17-24; Prov. 25:16; I Pet. 1:17-24
October 13, 2023 Ezek. 44:1-31; Ps. 119:1-8; Prov. 25:11-14; I Pet. 1:1-6
«Pet» og «Bitter» av Akwaeke Emezi, foredrag ved Lara Okafor.Hva er koblingene mellom spekulativ fiksjon og den ekte kampen for en bedre verden? Ungdomsromanene Pet (2019) og Bitter (2022) handler begge om livet i byen Lucille, henholdsvis etter og før det blir et utopisk samfunn. Akwaeke Emezi har bygget verdenen på arbeidet til aktivisten Mariame Kaba, som jobber med fengselsavskaffelse, å støtte ungdomsledelse og å gjøre slutt på vold. I Pet og Bitter utforsker Emezi veien mot et ideelt samfunn, og det harde arbeidet man må gjøre for å holde monstrene vekk også når alle tror at kampen er vunnet.Akwaeke Emezi (f. 1987) er en nigeriansk forfatter. De debuterte med romanen Freshwater i 2018 til stor jubel fra både lesere og kritikere, og har allerede rukket å utgi 6 bøker siden. Forfatterskapet deres blander fantasy, mytologi og sosialrealisme, og tar for seg temaer som identitet, spiritualitet, tilhørighet og urettferdighet, med mye inspirasjon fra eget liv og egen nigeriansk (spesielt igbo) arv.Lara Okafor er masterstudent ved Universitetet i Oslo med lang bakgrunn fra den skeive aktivismen, blant annet som styreleder i Skeiv Verden Oslo og Viken og prosjektkoordinator i Salam Norge. I vår er de aktuell som forfatter i den ferske science fiction-antologien En strek gjennom tyngdekraften. I dette foredraget forteller Okafor om Emezis to ungdomsromaner og hvordan spekulativ fiksjon kan brukes til å fantasere om en bedre (skeiv) fremtid.Foredraget inngår i serien Skeive klassikere, hvor ulike foredragsholdere tar for seg gamle og nye storverk fra den skeive litteraturen. Arrangementsserien er støttet av BUFDIR. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The rites and ceremonies of other denominations usually use bread and wine (or grape juice). However, communion to Friends is an inward, spiritual experience of God and His Messiah that does not require any outward rites or ceremonies. Reading from A Brief Synopsis, we find, “It is discovered that since Friends' worship desires to be an inward, spiritual experience, in like manner, so is the Friends' concept of communion. Thus, in His eating of the Passover with His disciples the day before His crucifixion, Friends believe Christ was not instituting a [new] rite or ordinance, but was observing with them a final act in the Mosaic Law” . . . “which was fulfilled and abrogated by our Savior's most acceptable sacrifice of Himself on Calvary for the salvation of mankind.” The requirements of the Mosaic Law were but types and shadows of the things to come (i.e., prototypes and foreshadowings). Communion is in Spirit and in Truth. Since the reality and substance of a true spiritual communion with Him are now possible, without rite or ceremony, how can we be satisfied with the outward elements, by reverting to an outward rite or ceremony? In Rev 3:18-22 the dining which the Lord promises to do is clearly a spiritual, not an outward dining. He comes to us through a spiritual door, and not a physical, outward (ceremonial or rite-caused) element. The Christian life is a life in the Spirit. Thus, it must be nourished by spiritual food, not an by outward physical rite, ceremony or element. There is a discussion on “transubstantiation” (as Catholics understand eucharist) and “consubstantiation” (as some Eastern Orthodox, and some Episcopal and Lutheran Churches) and their errors as explained by Robert Barclay in his Apology for the True Christian Divinity [= A Defense of the Truly Christian Theology]. Barclay saw the “this” (in “Do this in remembrance of me”) as meaning that any meal we eat in commemoration of Jesus should be done remembering His sacrifice for us. The Gospel according to John does not give an account of the Passover meal, but John repeatedly focuses on the need to spiritually feed upon the Spirit of Christ. Resources: Robert Barclay An Apology for the True Christian Divinity (Proposition 13)Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends Heb 10:1John 14:20,21Rev 3:20II Pet 1:3,4Rev 318-22Mat 26:20, 26-30I Cor 11:23-26 I Pet 1:10,11I Cor 10:1-10 Credits:The words to the music are from Margaret Fell's Letter to the King on Persecution in 1660. The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier. Her work can be found at paulettemeier.com
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 24th, 2022 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: Introduction: Numbers, charts, & lots of theories (20:1-6) "thousand" -- Ex. 20:6; Dt. 1:11; 7:9; Ps. 50:10; 90:4; I Sam. 18:7; II Pet. 3:8) I. Let's celebrate Jesus' Kingdom. (20:1-6) "Kingdom" in Revelation (Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 11:15; 12:10-11) Jesus' use of "Kingdom" (Lk. 1:32, 33; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Matt. 5-7, 13; John 3:3-5; 6:14-15, 66; 18:33-36; Matt. 16:17-19 & Acts 2) Other Bible verses (Dan. 2:44; I Pet. 1 & 2; Eph. 1:20-22) II. Let's celebrate Satan's defeat. (Gen. 3:15; Rom. 16:20; Rev. 12) His binding. (20:1-3) Jude 6; I Jn. 3:8; Heb. 2:14; Matt. 12:29; Lk. 10:17-18; Jn. 12:31-32; I Jn. 4:4; Rev. 1:17-18; 12:10; Col. 2:15 His final destruction. (20:7-10) Rev. 17:14; 19:19; Rom. 16:20 III. Let's celebrate resurrection. (20:4-6) Jesus' resurrection. A resurrection from this life. (Lk. 16:19ff) A Spiritual resurrection. (Eph. 2:1. 5-6; Col. 2:12-13; 3:1ff; Rom 6:3ff) A final resurrection. (John 5:28-29; 6:40; I Th. 4:16-17; Rev. 2:11) IV. Let's celebrate the book of life. (20:11-15) The Lamb's book of life. (Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 21:17) If you are born once, you die twice. If you are born twice, you die once.
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 3rd, 2022 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. God's judgment is certain. Key theme all through Scripture. Part of God's nature. (15:3-4) Judges 11:27; Ps. 7:11; II Tim. 4:8; Heb. 12:23; I Pet. 4:5 II. God's judgment is good. (15:3-4; Ch. 16) The "Battle of Armageddon" is not going to be much of a battle. III. God's judgment is fair. (16:5-7) It is based on His perfect knowledge. (Gen. 18:20ff; Rev. 6:9-10) It is what we all deserve. (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; Ps. 103:10) God's judgment is fair. His grace is more than fair. IV. God's judgment follows loving warnings. (Num. 14:18; Rev. 16) V. God's judgment can be avoided. An opportunity to repent. (II Pet. 3:9ff; Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9-11) An offer from God. (Rom. 1:18; 5:8-9; 6:3ff; 8:1) Celebrating the rescue. (15:1-4) Two options: 16:9 or 16:15; Gal. 3:26-27 It is our choice!
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on December 5th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. We are each gifted: by God's grace. (4:10) Most obvious gift: forgiveness & salvation. (Rom. 5:15-17) Specific, personal gifts. (Rom. 12:3-8) II. We are each responsible: to serve. (4:10) Giftedness leads to responsibility & responsibility leads to service. (Acts 1:8; Rom. 7:4; Gal. 5:13; I Pet. 2:9) We must prove worthy of God's trust. (Luke 12:48; I Cor. 4:1-2) III. We are each dependent: upon each other. (4:10-11) The church is like a body. (I Cor. 12:12ff; Eph. 4:15-16) and a building. (Eph. 2:19-22) We need each other! (I Cor. 12:4-7) Church should be more like VBS. IV. We are each empowered: by God's strength. (4:11; I Cor. 1:26-29) Because of God's love and grace, I will serve and follow faithfully until the end.
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on October 31st, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. God intends for us to use discernment. (Gen. 1:26-28; Proverbs) - We are created in the image of God. II. We must use discernment. A. Satan is a deceiver. (Gen. 3; John 8:44; II Cor. 11:13-15, 3; 4:4; I Pet. 5:8-9) B. Falsehood is rampant. (Isa. 59:12-15; I John 4:1-3) C. Life is full of choices. Steps to developing a discerning heart and mind 1. Seek it from God. (James 1:5) a. Prayer. (I Kings 3:9) b. The Bible. (Ps. 119:66; Hos. 4:6; II Tim. 3:16-17) 2. Don't trust your heart alone. (Jer. 17:9-10; I Cor. 4:3-4) 3. Seek and honor truth. 4. Don't believe everything you read or hear. (Prov. 14:15; 18:13, 15, 17; Matt. 7:6, 15ff; John 7:24; Acts 17:11; I Th. 5:21-22) 5. Seek counsel from godly, wise people. (Prov. 12:15) Who will you believe and follow?
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on August 15th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. The Dead Sea is UNIQUE ... and in TROUBLE. (One of a kind; salty; evaporating) * The Dead Sea rarely receives any FRESH water. II. We need CONSISTENT nourishment. (Psalm 63:1-5) (PHYSICALLY & SPIRITUALLY) III. GOD is our nourishment. A. Through His PROVISION. (James 1:16-17) B. Through His PRESENCE. (Ps. 63:1-3, 7-8; John 15:4-6; Rev. 22:1-2) C. Through WORSHIP. (Psalms) D. Through His WORD. (Ps. 119; I Pet. 1:22-23; 2:3) E. Through our personal DEVOTIONAL time. Some aspects: 1. PRAYER. 2. MEDITATION. 3. JOURNALING. 4. FASTING. Isaiah 55:1-3 Will I begin today to become MORE ALIVE?
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on July 18th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. https://sermons.church/archived?church&sermonid=18924&cred_referrer_form_id=25 Outline: I. Strong walls provide PROTECTION and SECURITY. A. A principle from history. (Psalm 122:6, 7; Deut. 3:5) B. The Great Wall of China C. Necessary LIFE walls. (Neh. 4:13, 14) II. Faulty gates and gatekeepers make walls MEANINGLESS. A. The Great Wall of China. (Once they enemy got their foot in the gate, it was all over) B. We must be ALERT to the enemy. (I Pet. 5:8, 9; Eph. 6:10ff; 4:26-27) (Sin the result of: Undetected WEAKNESS, unexpected TEMPTATION, unprotected LIFE). C. We must SECURE the gates. (I Chron. 9:17-27; Eph. 4:26-27, Luke 11:34-35; Ezra 9:8ff; Isa. 62:6) Our gates: EYES, EARS, MIND, BODY. D. We must practice SELF-CONTROL. (Prov. 25:28; Isa. 30:12-14; Titus 2:11-14; Prov. 4:23) How STRONG are your walls and gates? How sure is your HOPE? (Rev. 22:12-17)
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on May 2nd, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. God on the THRONE: a picture of HOLINESS. (Isa. 6:3; Ex. 15:11; I Sam. 2:2; Hab. 1:13) Holy = SET APART. His holiness is our MOTIVATION to be holy. (I Pet. 1:14-16) II. Sin in the MIRROR: a picture of BROKENNESS. (II Sam. 11; 12; 51:1-4, 16, 17) The key: Seeing and acknowledging our sins SPECIFICALLY. -- why the BIBLE is so important. -- why CONFESSION is so important. (Prov. 28:13; Ps. 32:1-5; I Jn. 1:8, 9) III. Self in the DIRT: a picture of REPENTANCE. * A common Bible scene: SACKCLOTH and ashes. (Neh. 9:1; Es. 4:1-3; Isa. 22:12) * Evidence of repentance: Long-term CHANGE. (II Tim. 2:19) IV. Christ on the CROSS: a picture of GRACE. (Rom. 5:8; Tit. 2:11-14) V. Spirit in CONTROL: a picture of POWER. (Rom. 6-8; Acts 2:37, 38; II Pet. 3:9) I REPENT, and desire to live in a HIGHER PLACE by the power of God's Spirit.
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 25th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: Jesus is Passing By (Luke 18:35-43; Mark 19:46-52) I. We learn something about the INFLUENCE we can have. A. POSITIVE influence. (18:36-37) 2 things have to be true: 1. We have to be WITH people. 2. We have to be living RIGHT. (I Pet. 2:11, 12) B. NEGATIVE influence. (18:38, 39) II. We learn something about JESUS. (18:40, 41; Mark 10:49, 50) A. He took TIME for PEOPLE. B. He didn't play FAVORITES. (Luke 17-19; John 3:16) III. We learn something about the BLIND man. A. He demonstrated CURIOSITY. (36) B. He demonstrated FAITH. (38, 39; Mark 10:49, 50; James 2) C. He demonstrated PERSISTENCE. (39) D. He was ready to ______. (43; Lk. 9:23) IV. We learn something about OPPORTUNITIES. (37) A. Many opportunities only COME ONCE. (James 4:13-17) B. We have many opportunities at BETHLEHEM. C. EACH of us has an opportunity. (Eph. 5:15-17; Luke 19:5) II Corinthians 6:2 Upon the face of the CLOCK of life is written one word: NOW!
Tom Claibourne's sermon preached on April 11th, 2021 at Bethlehem Church of Christ in Winchester, OH. Outline: I. What Jesus DEMONSTRATES. A. Unblemished CHARACTER. (I Pet. 1:18-19; Her. 4:14, 15) B. Undying LOVE. C. Unbelievable SACRIFICE. (John 15:13; Rom. 5:6-8) II. What Jesus CLAIMED to be. A. Jesus made bold claims that we can't AVOID. (John 6:38; 8:58; 14:6; 14:9; 11:25; 8:24; 5:22; 10:30) * Jesus' claims would be absolutely RIDICULOUS if they weren't true! B. Jesus must be one of the following: 1. A LIAR. 2. A LUNATIC. 3. The LORD. III. What Jesus' FRIENDS said about Him. (John 1:29; Matt. 16:16; Acts 2:36; John 20:28; Col. 2:9; 1 Cor. 15:6; I John 5:20) IV. What Jesus' ENEMIES said about Him. (Matt. 27:37; Matt. 27:19; Matt. 27:3ff; Matt. 27:41-44; Matt. 27:54) V. What early Christian WRITERS said about Him. VI. What will we DO about Him? A. Decide WHO He is. (Matt. 22:41-42; 16:15) B. Decide WHAT we will DO. (John 14:15; Mark 8:34ff; I John 5:11, 12) What do you BELIEVE about Jesus and what will you DO about Him?