Casual dress in the pulpit
The minister’s casual dress in the pulpit is not appropriate. This question came up this week from some of our listeners. They are an “older” couple in a Baptist church where the long time pastor has gradually accommodated the desires of the youth by starting a contemporary service and by allowing the youth minister to come […]
Matthew 7:1-5 Judging Others
Matt 7:1-5 Judging CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO This passage has primarily to do with one man judging others. This is excellent practical as well as spiritual advice and ought to be heeded with as much attention as the verses on salvation. Now, here’s what you need to know about judgment. Judgment begets judgment – v.1 The […]
Matthew 6:24-34 You can’t serve two Masters
Matt 6:24-34 You can’t serve two Masters CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO These are primarily instructions to Jews because they were overly concerned with the temporal things of life – food, drink and clothing. These were things that the Gentiles were worried about. Jesus wanted them to seek the kingdom of God (first mention) and his righteousness, […]
Matthew 6:16-23 Practical Spiritual Matters
Matt 6:16-23 Practical Spiritual Matters CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO In this passage, Jesus gave his Jewish disciples instructions on some practical spiritual matters. He taught them concerning fasting, giving, and looking. Basically, his directions can be boiled down this way. There is spiritual help in what you don’t eat, what you don’t keep and what you […]
Matthew 6:1-15 Alms and Prayers
Matt 6:1-15 Alms and Prayers CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO In this passage, Jesus instructed his Jewish disciples on the right motive and method for alms and prayers. Alms are voluntary gifts to aid the poor (Acts 3:2-3, Acts 10:2). You can tell that these are instructions to Jews by the context. Jesus spoke of “your Father” […]
Satan – Can Christians be influenced by Satan?
Absolutely!! Satan can and does influence Christians! It is commonly thought, today, that Satan and his evil spirits cannot influence Christians. This is a common misconception that results from bad preaching and teaching. Rather than rely upon our own opinions about the matter, we’ll look to the Bible to see what God has to say. Satan […]
Matthew 5:43-48 Neighborly Love
Matt 5:43-48 Neighborly Love CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO Jesus expanded on one other area of the law in this chapter. He dealt with the “second commandment,” thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Matt 22:35-40). The Old Testament reference for this command is found in Lev 19:18. However, Jesus added “and hate thine enemy,” which was […]
Matthew 5:33-42 Further supplements to the Law
Matthew 5:33-42 Further supplements to the Law CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO In the last part of Matthew 5, Jesus enhances three additional areas of the law: oaths (v.33-37); retribution (v. 38-42); and neighborly love (v. 43-48). In this study, we will examine the first two of these three. Keep in mind that the reason Jesus supplemented […]
Matthew 5:27-32 Adultery
Matt 5:27-32 Adultery CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO In the Old Testament, the commandment stated, “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Basically, that meant a husband wasn’t supposed to cheat on his wife and she wasn’t supposed to cheat on him, as in the case of David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11:4, 12:13). But the Lord described adultery […]
Matthew 5:21-26 The Sixth Commandment
Matt 5:21-26 The Sixth Commandment CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO After Jesus said that he had not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, he began to interpret a couple of the commandments. In this lesson, we will study what he said about the sixth commandment: Thou shalt not kill (Ex 20:13). This commandment has […]