Persecution is Expected (John 16:1-4)
Jesus has been talking with the disciples about the persecution they will receive for following Him. Persecution should not offend us When people mock us, lie about us, or dismiss us it is very easy to be offended, annoyed, or resentful. Jesus is telling us that we will face persecution so that when it comes we react in the right way. He does not want us to be offended or surprised when we are persecuted. Persecution will likely arise from…
Pursuing Marriage – Introduction (Part 2)
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.Genesis 2:18 Adam was unable to do what God required of him by himself. He needed help. Notice that the primary reason for the creation of the woman and subsequently the purpose of marriage was a multiplication of the work of dominion for God’s glory. Marriage was not about sex, companionship, fun, soul mates, etc. Marriage was…
A Christian Response to Persecution (John 15:26-27)
Jesus has been discussing His upcoming betrayal, death, resurrection, and ascension. He has been telling His disciples about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He has told them how the Holy Spirit will flow through them producing fruitfulness and love. Because of this love, we will be hated and persecuted. The tendency is to seek comfort or escape Our natural tendency is to seek comfort. We want a long life of leisure, pleasure, and comfort. Because of this we naturally…
Pursuing Marriage – Introduction (Part 1)
Before we can talk about pursuing marriage we must rightfully understand who we are, why we were created, what marriage is, and the purpose of marriage. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the…
Hatred: Evidence of True Conversion (John 15:18-25)
True followers of Christ will be hated If the world hated Jesus so much that they killed Him, what will they do to those who follow Him? We will receive the same treatment. We know that the world hated and persecuted Jesus, so we can expect that the closer we follow Him the more we will be hated and persecuted. If we were like the world they would love us; if we are like Jesus they will hate us. We…
Church – Worship Services (Part 2)
Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For…