Sunday, September 30, 2012

Making Ready--A Communion Message; Matthew 26.17-29

Making Ready--A Communion Message; Matthew 26.17-29

Making Ready! A communion message.
Probably nothing Jesus did with the disciples before his crucifixion was more deeply moving, more unforgettable, than His last supper in the upper room. And part of the reason for the impact it made on the disciples was that it was prepared for. Jesus had told His disciples to “make ready” for it, and they did.

 FREE BIBLE STUDIES
Every verse explained; you set the pace; all material can be copied and used in your ministry; Do you have questions?—all questions answered with documentation.
http://harmonyofthegospels.yolasite.com (The Life of Christ in Chronological Order)
http://theepistlesofpaul.yolasite.com (A Study of Titus, Jude and 1st Corinthians)
http://paulsepistletotheromans.yolasite.com (A Study of Romans)
http://theperiodofthejudges.yolasite.com (A Study of Israel’s Judges)

 FREE DEVOTIONS AND SERMONS
http://teachingsermonsforpastorsandlaymen.yolasite.com (Teaching on many topics, and biblical events; Lesson series; special events)

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Harmony of the Gospels

Harmony of the Gospels

Parables of Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Publican

This old Pharisee is out there talking to himself—he thinks he is talking to God, but his prayer never got higher than the ceiling. All he did was to have a pep talk; he patted himself on the back and went out proud as a peacock. God never heard his prayer.

You may also want to check out one of these websites.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

FREE BIBLE STUDIES

Every verse explained; you set the pace; all material can be copied and used in your ministry; Do you have questions?—all questions answered with documentation.

http://harmonyofthegospels.yolasite.com (The Life of Christ in Chronological Order)

http://theepistlesofpaul.yolasite.com (A Study of Titus, Jude and 1st Corinthians)

http://paulsepistletotheromans.yolasite.com (A Study of Romans)

http://theperiodofthejudges.yolasite.com (A Study of Israel’s Judges)

 

FREE DEVOTIONS AND SERMONS

http://teachingsermonsforpastorsandlaymen.yolasite.com (Teaching on many topics, and biblical events; Lesson series; special events)

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen,Bible Sermons Online-Always Free

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen,Bible Sermons Online-Always Free

FREE BIBLE STUDIES
Every verse explained; you set the pace; all material can be copied and used in your ministry; Do you have questions?—all questions answered with documentation.
http://harmonyofthegospels.yolasite.com (The Life of Christ in Chronological Order)
http://theepistlesofpaul.yolasite.com (A Study of Titus, Jude and 1st Corinthians)
http://paulsepistletotheromans.yolasite.com (A Study of Romans)
http://theperiodofthejudges.yolasite.com (A Study of Israel’s Judges)

FREE DEVOTIONS AND SERMONS
http://teachingsermonsforpastorsandlaymen.yolasite.com (Teaching on many topics, and biblical events; Lesson series; special events)

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen,Bible Sermons Online-Always Free

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen,Bible Sermons Online-Always Free

Free Bible Studies and Devotions

Jesus was very approachable, by all classes of people, as we shall see in today’s scripture lesson. It is the story of the sinful woman who worshiped Him, at a dinner given in the home of a well-to-do Pharisee. The story begins with these words,And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.” We have to imagine the guests arriving and Simon the Pharisee welcoming them with all the suitable courtesies; and embracing each and every one in turn. Slaves were there to wash the dirt from their sandaled feet, and to pour sweet olive oil over their heads. But there was one of the guests who was not treated with respect. He was just a poor man, invited because His being there might prove to be entertaining to the other guests. No kiss of welcome was offered to Him, and the slaves did not wait on him with the luxuries that were provided the other guests. Jesus accepted the invitation, and came to the dinner, even though He knew the intentions of the one who invited Him.

There are 5 websites/Bible Studies to Choose From
http://harmonyofthegospels.yolasite.com (Life of Christ)
http://teachingsermonsforpastorsandlaymen.yolasite.com (sermons)
http://theepistlesofpaul.yolasite.com (Titus and Jude)
http://paulsepistletotheromans.yolasite.com (Romans)
http://theperiodofthejudges.yolasite.com (Judges)

Friday, September 28, 2012

The Period Of The Judges

The Period Of The Judges

FREE BIBLE STUDY!!!

33 Neither did Naphtali drive out the inhabitants of Bethshemesh, nor the inhabitants of Bethanath; but he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Bethanath became tributaries unto them.

Here, we are told that the tribe of Naphtali was unable to control Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath. Beth-shemesh means “house of the sun,” and Beth-anath means “house of anath”or “House of affliction”; they both were centers of Canaanite worship.

Naphtali was no exception in its dealings with those Canaanites living in its territory, for they also permitted the Canaanites to live among them; it was only by degrees that they gained sufficient control over them to extort contributions from them. Greed led the Israelites to spare the idolaters, contrary to the express command of God; and their disobedience to His orders in this matter involved them in many troubles which this book describes.

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, The Face Of Faithfulness--John, John 19:25-27

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, The Face Of Faithfulness--John, John 19:25-27

FREE BIBLE STUDY!!!

Christianity began with a group of men gathered by Jesus, but at the cross Christianity resembles a woman’s movement. Of the twelve men Jesus made apostles, only one was faithful to the end. Four faithful women stood with this man until the end. One of them was Mary, Jesus’ mother. Her sister was also there. Mary Magdalene was another of the four, and with her was the wife of Cleophas. But today we want to focus our attention on John. His face beneath the cross is the face of faithfulness. A study of John’s presence at the cross will help us in the pursuit of faithfulness.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

The Period Of The Judges

The Period Of The Judges

FREE DEVOTIONS AND SERMONS

After the Israelites settled in the land of Canaan, Sidon was near the territory of Zebulun [1](Gen. 49:13 ) and Asher [2](Jos. 19:28 ). But the tribe of Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Sidon. This indicates something about the strength of that city. Sidon, however, frequently was destroyed by foreign invaders during the next several centuries. But it was rebuilt following each defeat and restored to a position of prominence.


There are 5 websites by this author:

http://harmonyofthegospels.yolasite.com (Life of Christ)

http://teachingsermonsforpastorsandlaymen.yolasite.com (sermons)

http://theepistlesofpaul.yolasite.com (Titus and Jude)

http://paulsepistletotheromans.yolasite.com (Romans)

http://theperiodofthejudges.yolasite.com (Judges)

The Face Of Folly: Judas, Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:3-10

The Face Of Folly: Judas, Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50; 27:3-10

FREE DEVOTIONS AND SERMONS
Judas played the part of a fool. When he placed the kiss of betrayal on the face of the Lord Jesus, he acted as a fool. This is the opinion of history.  The writer known as Dante pictured Judas in the very bottom of hell. He pictured him as isolated from all other sinners and gripped by the most horrible torment. Jesus said, “THE SON OF MAN INDEED GOES JUST AS IT IS WRITTEN OF HIM, BUT WOE TO THAT MAN BY WHOM THE SON OF MAN IS BETRAYED! IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD FOR THAT MAN IF HE HAD NOT BEEN BORN” (Matthew 26:24). Only after his betrayal did Judas feel that he had played the fool. And then he considered that the only appropriate response was to end his life in suicide.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The Period Of The Judges

The Period Of The Judges--FREE BIBLE STUDY!!
Zebulun (See Article 1.7; Zebulun, Tribe of) faced the same, problem that Judah, Benjamin, and the sons of Joseph faced; their failure to exterminate the pagan inhabitants of the land that God had given them. The debased Canaanites were a festering limb of the human race. After bearing with them for hundreds of years, God decided that the only solution was amputation, and committed the surgery to Israel. But they failed to obey Him.
The cities mentioned in Zebulon have never been positively identified, yet some Bible scholars have made an educated guess.
Kitron (“making sweet”), is one of the towns of Zebulun perhaps the same as Kattath. It is identified with modern Tell el-Far, about 9.7 km. (6 mi.) southeast of Haifa.
Nahalal [Nahallal; Nahalol] (“pasture”), is the other city of Zebulun mentioned. It was assigned to the Levites, and it is probably modern Khirbet el-Teim, south of Accho. It was given, along with its “suburbs” to the Merarite Levites. Here, in this verse it is called Nahalol. It is identified with the modern Malul, a village in the Plane of Esdraelon.
The incomplete obedience of Zebulun resembled that of Manasseh and Ephraim for they merely subjected the Canaanites of Kitron and Nahalol to forced labor.

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen--Free Sermons and Devotions!!
Everything about Jesus’ death was designed to bring Him suffering and shame. His enemies crucified Him between two thieves for the purpose of humiliating Him. They wanted to present Him as a common criminal dying with His kind. But, as usual, Jesus turned the evil plans of His enemies into something good. The presence of these condemned men provided Him with an opportunity to demonstrate His grace and forgiveness.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

The Period Of The Judges

The Period Of The Judges--FREE BIBLE STUDY!!
The house of Joseph refers to the tribes of Ephraim and the half tribe of Manasseh, who dwelt beyond the Jordan. Beth-el was twelve miles north of Jerusalem. It was strategically located on the north-south trade route, and was a junction for traffic from the Mediterranean seacoast on the west and from the Jordan valley via Jericho on the east. Bethel has been commonly identified with modern Beitin, about twelve miles north of Jerusalem, though some evidence favors El-Bireh two miles further south. Beth-el means “house of God,” a name given to it by Jacob in [1]Genesis 28:19, where it is also noted that its original name was Luz. Beth-el remained a very important city in and throughout biblical history. Originally, it was evidently a strong Canaanite cult-center. It later became a prominent city in Israel; and finally, it lapsed into a center of idolatry.

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen--Free Bible Study
Pilate presented Barabbas to the crowd as an alternative, which would allow him to escape his responsibility in this ordeal. His training in Roman government made it difficult for him to condemn an innocent man.
Pilate’s offer takes on special significance if both of these men had the same name. Many Bible scholars believe that the full name of Barabbas was Jesus Barabbas. Some manuscript evidence supports this theory. And if this was the case, the crowd had to choose between Jesus of Nazareth and Jesus Barabbas.
The face of Barabbas is truly the face of good fortune. Never has a better thing happened to a man on the day of his expected crucifixion. Jesus of Nazareth probably died on the cross that was prepared for Jesus Barabbas.
When the Sabbath came, Jesus was lying in a tomb, and Barabbas was sleeping in his own bed. This graphically sets forth the central truth of the gospel, “CHRIST DIED FOR US.”

Monday, September 24, 2012

Jude, Paul's Epistles, Commentary, verse by verse

Jude, Paul's Epistles, Commentary, verse by verse--FREE BIBLE STUDY!!
Jude is concerned with apostasy. Even in his day, the church was already being infiltrated by religious Quislings, men who posed as servants of God but who were actually enemies of the cross of Christ. Jude’s purpose is to expose these traitors and to describe their ultimate doom.

Paul's Purpose, to go to Rome, hindered, preach gospel in Spain

Paul's Purpose, to go to Rome, hindered, preach gospel in Spain--FREE BIBLE STUDY!!
Whenever possible, the apostle began his letters by expressing appreciation for whatever was commendable in his readers; a good example for all of us. Here he thanks God through Jesus Christ, the Mediator, because the faith of the Roman Christians was proclaimed throughout the whole world. Their testimony as Christians was talked about throughout the Roman Empire, which then constituted the whole world from the perspective of those living in the Mediterranean area.
Paul had no personal acquaintance with many of these Romans, and yet he could heartily rejoice in their faith. He traveled up and down from place to place, and, wherever he went, he heard great commendations for the Christians at Rome. Like the great men of God of the past, these Romans got a good report through faith: “For by it (faith) the elders obtained a good testimony” (Heb. 11:2). God is not concerned about numbers, or a big show. God is honored by our faith in His Son. God honors faith in His people. We will be rewarded for the works we do in true faith. It is something we should all want; to be famous for faith. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23).

Yola--FREE BIBLE STUDY

Yola--FREE BIBLE STUDY
In our lesson today, we are going to see that the cross of Christ changed two cowards. They came to the cross bound by fear but they left with a life filled with courage. Many of us find it easier to identify with Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus than with anyone else at the cross. We have known what it is to remain silent when we should have spoken, to keep our relationship with Christ a secret when it should have been shared. In many ways Joseph of Arimathea is a man of admirable character. He is presented that way on the pages of the New Testament. 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

When Faith Falters, Gen 12:10-13:4

When Faith Falters, Gen 12:10-13:4    FREE BIBLE STUDIES, SERMONS, AND DEVOTIONS

One of my favorite Hymn writers is Fanny Crosby. Although she was blind, Fanny Crosby wrote over eight thousand hymns. There is a great story behind how she came to write the Hymn titled “All the Way my Savior Leads Me.” Story has it that Fanny was worried about money that she needed to pay bills. She needed five dollars and she did not know where she would get it. Instead of letting her faith guide her, she let her fear consume her. As she was worrying about the situation a knock came at the door; it was someone who felt led to give her five dollars. This person had no idea of her need, but felt led to give Fanny this amount. To Fanny, this was a rebuke of her lack of faith and trust in the Lord. It was out of a faltering faith that Fanny Crosby wrote “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.”

In the believer’s journey of faith there are going to be those moments when faith falters. Just as Fanny Crosby had a faltering faith, today’s study of Abram will reveal a faltering faith. And if we look into our own journey of faith, we too, will see moments where our faith faltered. You could say that a faltering faith is inevitable, but it does not mean that we should not try to avoid it at all cost.Any study of the life of Abraham is a study that can help us learn lessons that may help our faith grow. This study may help us realize the attitudes and choices that can hamper our journey of faith and perhaps we can avoid those attitudes and choices when they come our way. We must remember that the journey of faith is a process of maturity and that there are different stages within the process. There are stages of great success and there are stages of great defeat.

And our faithful God uses both success and failure to mature us in our faith.

The Period Of The Judges

The Period Of The Judges
After the death of Joshua, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges, or heroic military deliverers, for about 300 years until the united monarchy was established under King Saul. The era of the judges was a time of instability and moral depravity, a dark period when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (17:6). The judges tried to rally the people against their enemies, but many of the judges were morally weak and the people often turned to idolatry. Along with the well-known judges, there were several minor judges whose battles are not recorded in the Bible: Abimelech, Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon.
What began with conquest (vv. 1.1–1.26) soon became compromise (vv. 1.27–1.36) as the defeated tribes gave in to the enemy. IF WE DO NOT DEFEAT THE ENEMY COMPLETELY, THE ENEMY WILL EVENTUALLY DEFEAT US. Israel learned their ways and worshiped their gods, and the Lord had to chasten His people to bring them back. They forgot the warnings of Moses (Deut. 7) and Joshua (Josh. 23).
It has well been said, “The one thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history.” Read 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 and take it to heart.

Yola

Yola
Matthew wrote this about when Jesus died on the cross.

And Jesus… yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

Centurions represented the best of Roman men. They rose through the ranks to become commanders of one hundred men. Those who appear in the New Testament are presented as strong and good men.

This unnamed centurion witnessed the climatic events connected with Christ’s death. He was probably at the arrest and the trial; we know that he was at the cross. What he saw and heard had a profound effect on him. Just after the earthquake at Jesus’ death the centurion confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God.” He had become a man of faith in Jesus Christ. This is the confession that God wants to hear from each one of us. If we look closely at this “face of faith” beneath the cross, perhaps we too can join him in his confession.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Lessons on the Coming Kingdom, Luke 17:20-37

Lessons on the Coming Kingdom, Luke 17:20-37
The Pharisees and their many followers were looking forward to the arrival of an outward, earthly, visible kingdom, one in which the Jews would occupy a very prominent place. They were hardly able to wait for its arrival. They were so anxious to know when it would be established that they were willing to obtain information with respect to this subject from any source whatever…even Jesus. By this time in Jesus’ ministry the Pharisees had rejected His main message of the gospel, but they were still curious—as many people are even today—to know His opinion about the timetable of the kingdom. Do you want to know more about the Second Coming—it’s all here!

The Period Of The Judges

The Period Of The Judges

The book of judges is very unlike the book that precedes it. In Joshua, the people are obedient and conquer the land because they trust in the power of God. However, the people had changed by the time they entered the period of the judges. They were disobedient to God, they were not satisfied with the status quo; they turned to idols many times and they were conquered by their enemies over and over again.

The Hebrew word for Judges is Shophetim. The thought behind this word has the idea of upholding justice and resolving disputes, but it can also mean “to liberate” and “to deliver.” The judges were men and women that God used to deliver the Hebrew nation, and then they ruled the nation and administered justice. They can be considered to be a type of Christ or Savior for the nation of Israel.

A free Bible Study—every verse of the book of Judges is explained.

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen
It happened when Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest to face charges of blasphemy against God. Peter followed Jesus “from afar.” He feared that Jesus was going to be put to death, and maybe they would come after him and his friends. He tries to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, but it doesn’t work. A little wisp of a maid caused him to deny his Lord.
Peter was ashamed to be known as a follower of Jesus at this time. Have you ever been in a similar position? May God forgive our cowardness and weakness as He did Peter.

Read "The Face of Failure--Simon Peter."

Friday, September 21, 2012

Mourning the Fate of Benjamin

Mourning the Fate of Benjamin
Through the extraordinary severity with which the tribes of Israel had carried on the war against Benjamin, this tribe had been reduced to 600 men, and brought very near to extermination. Such a conclusion to the bloody conflict went to the heart of the congregation. When forming the resolution to punish the unparalleled wickedness of the inhabitants of Gibeah with all the severity of the law, they had been urged on by nothing else than the sacred duty that was binding upon them to root out the evil from their midst; if only they would have acted with the same fierceness when God ordered them to kill all the inhabitants of the Promised Land. And although the war against the whole tribe of Benjamin was justified by the fact that they had taken the side of the culprits, and that the consolidated tribes had received the approval of the Lord; there is no doubt that in the execution of the war, feelings of personal revenge had replaced the righteous indignation that was present at the beginning, because of the defeat which they had twice sustained at the hands of the Benjaminites.

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, Paul’s Sermon Before Felix

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, Paul’s Sermon Before Felix
Those whose hearts are devoted to the gospel, display its power when they are subjected to trouble, persecution, and sorrow. The power of the gospel that entered into the heart of the apostle Paul must have been extremely strong, because it could never be driven out of him. He suffered greatly for the gospel; he lost all he had, but he considered it as nothing, so that he might win some for Christ. He spread the gospel, but it cost him; he suffered hardships, shipwrecks, danger on land, and hazards at sea, but none of these things affected him, and neither did he hold his life dear to him, because his desire was to win Christ and to be found in Him. Persecution followed persecution; he was beaten by the Jews with rods; he was dragged from one court to another; there was hardly a city where restraints and imprisonment wasn’t waiting for him. He was attacked in his own country-he was accused at Jerusalem, and arraigned at Cesarea; he was taken from one court to another to be tried for his life. He proclaimed the gospel before his judges, and he preached it in prison.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Paul's Epistle to the Romans, Responsibilities Towards Neighbors

Paul's Epistle to the Romans, Responsibilities Towards Neighbors
Love for God and for your neighbor is the highest motive for obedience. Love does what is right and just and seeks the best for others. By nature, we do not have this kind of love—“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another” (Titus 3:3); the Lord gives it to us—“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen
We have all heard the story of when Peter denied that he knew Jesus. It happened when Jesus was arrested and taken to the high priest to face charges of blasphemy against God. Peter followed Jesus “from afar.” He feared that Jesus was going to be put to death, and maybe they would come after him and his friends. He tries to make himself as inconspicuous as possible, but it doesn’t work. A little wisp of a maid caused him to deny his Lord.
Peter was ashamed to be known as a follower of Jesus at this time. Have you ever been in a similar position? May God forgive our cowardness and weakness as He did Peter.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

The Period Of The Judges, Deborah and Barak are Called,

The Period Of The Judges, Deborah and Barak are Called,
This play features Deborah, who judged Israel at this time.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
The cast of characters in this drama is as follows:
Jabin: King of Hazor, in Canaan, a tyrant. Probably the key person in this drama, because God raised him up to discipline the people of Israel.
Deborah: A Jewish judge; a woman of faith and courage.
Barak: A reluctant Jewish general.
Sisera: Captain of Jabin’s army.
Heber: A Kenite neighbor, at peace with Jabin.
Jael: Wife of Heber, handy with hammer.
Jehovah God: In charge of wars and weather.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Paul's Epistle to the Romans

Paul's Epistle to the Romans
The sins of cultured people are essentially the same as those of the heathen. Although a moralist may argue that he has not committed every sin in the book, he should remember the following facts:
1. He is capable of committing them all.
2. By breaking one commandment, he is guilty of all. “For whoever shall keep
the whole Law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (Jas. 2:10).
3. He has committed sins of thought which he may never have committed in
actual deed, and these are forbidden by the word.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Three Men of Great Faith, Daniel 3:16-18

Three Men of Great Faith, Daniel 3:16-18
If you have read the second chapter of Daniel, you may have thought that Nebuchadnezzar was close to believing in God.
He had a dream that bothered him, but Daniel explained it.
And then the king told Daniel, “Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets...”
He acknowledged that Jehovah, the God of the Jews, was the greatest of gods, however in a short time we find him setting up an idol, and putting to death anyone who will not worship it.
That shouldn’t seem strange, because we see it every day; we see men and women who appear to be Christians, but after a while they forget all about Christ, and they may even become enemies of the gospel.
There will always be some who will slip back to what they once were, because according to the proverb, “The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.”
Jesus said that they will go from us, because they are not one of us.
And their final state will be worse than the first.
This great king of Babylon was an absolute monarch, and no one dared to disagree with him.
After all, who would disagree with a man who could back up his arguments with a fiery furnace, or who threatened to cut you into pieces and to make your house into a pile of rubble?
And when he sets up a god of his own design, and brings all the officials in his vast kingdom to the image, and makes them to bow down before it, would anybody refuse to do it?
But, there were three who defied him, and they had done it once before

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, What the Bible Says About Demons, Mark 5:1-13

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, What the Bible Says About Demons, Mark 5:1-13
The subject of demons has run the gamut in peoples thinking. Some people become obsessed with the study of demons, allowing their imaginations to run away with them. They see demons everywhere. Some become self-appointed exorcists and set about to rid their world of these emissaries of Satan. They tend to assign everything evil to demonic activity.
At the other extreme are those who deny the existence of demons, relegating them to ancient mythology or to an earlier time of ignorance and superstition. The ancient Greeks believed that demons were the souls of evil people who had died. Others have believed that demons are the disembodied spirits of a race of people who existed before Adam and Eve were created. The scriptures, however, make no mention of such a race.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Heals Ten Lepers, Luke 17.12-19

Heals Ten Lepers, Luke 17.12-19

Leprosy was a disease which the Jews believed was caused by God for the punishment of some particular sin, and more than other diseases, it was considered a mark of God’s displeasure.

They met Jesus as He entered a certain village. They had been declared to be unclean and untouchable by a priest, who would have diagnosed the condition. The ten lepers were of mixed nationality. That wouldn’t be strange in a location where two regions met. Besides, misery loves company, and when one is inflicted with leprosy, nationality ceases to be a barrier to fellowship: Jew and Samaritan unite. It is not surprising that these ten lepers stood at a distance and cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”

Friday, September 14, 2012

Divisions and Wisdom, 1 Cor. 1.10-17

Divisions and Wisdom, 1 Cor. 1.10-17

This website is under construction-study 1 Corinthians as each chapter is released.

One of the principal objectives of this letter was to correct the problems which had arisen in the Corinthian church; the first one the apostle mentions is the divisions which existed there. He urges the members of that church to come together and form bonds of unity (v. 10). Why did he do it? He had received information from one of the members he trusted who told him about the discord that was taking place (v. 11). These divisions occurred when the members began to align themselves with different religious teachers who became party leaders (v. 12). The sin and silliness of such divisions is obvious, because a church that has several religious leaders who embrace different religious convictions cannot be centers of unity.

The Period Of The Judges

The Period Of The Judges  Check out this Bible study
After the death of Joshua, the nation of Israel was ruled by judges, or heroic military deliverers, for about 300 years until the united monarchy was established under King Saul. The era of the judges was a time of instability and moral depravity, a dark period when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (17:6). The judges tried to rally the people against their enemies, but many of the judges were morally weak and the people often turned to idolatry. Along with the well-known judges, there were several minor judges whose battles are not recorded in the Bible: Abimelech, Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Period Of The Judges, Abimelech King of Shechem, Judges 9.1-9.6

The Period Of The Judges, Abimelech King of Shechem, Judges 9.1-9.6
At first glance, it might appear that this pitiful tale of the scoundrel Abimelech is unimportant. However, the events of this chapter came very near to being the end of the nation of Israel. "Shechem, along with a scattering of Israelites, changed their government to rule by a monarch with absolute authority over all facets of life; it was nearly the end of Israel." If Abimelech had been successful in transforming their religion, all Israel might have renounced their covenant relationship with Jehovah. This reversion to Canaanite Baalism involved the official recognition of Baal as the covenant god.

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, What The Bible Says About The Devil

Teaching Sermons For Pastors and Laymen, What The Bible Says About The Devil
Five questions about the devil that the Bible can answer.

First, “Where did the devil come from?”

Second, “What is the personality of the devil?”

Third, “How much power does the devil have?”

Forth, “What is the work of the devil?”

Fifth, “What is the destiny of the devil?”

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Precious Word From Our Loving God: Immature Corinthians and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 3.1...

Precious Word From Our Loving God: Immature Corinthians and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 3.1...: Immature Corinthians and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 3.1-4 The simple truths of the gospel—subjects such as man's sinfulness and God's mercy, rep...

Immature Corinthians and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 3.1-4

Immature Corinthians and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 3.1-4
The simple truths of the gospel—subjects such as man's sinfulness and God's mercy, repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ—stated in easily understood language, satisfy and benefit people more than the deep mysteries of God. Men may have memorized a lot of scripture and possess an admirable head-knowledge of biblical doctrine, nevertheless they are mere beginners in the life of faith and personal experience with the Savor. Strife and quarrels about religion are sad evidences of carnality. True religion makes men peaceable, not argumentative. But it is regrettable that many Christians walk, live and act too much like other men. Many professors and preachers display their carnality by an eagerness for argument, a willingness to despise and demean others, an inclination to gossip, and by initiating strife.

Paul's Epistle to the Romans

Paul's Epistle to the Romans
Every verse of Paul's letter to the Roman Church is explained in language that is easy to understand; use it as your Bible study.

The Period Of The Judges, Gideon Honorably Slays the two Kings of Midean

The Period Of The Judges, Gideon Honorably Slays the two Kings of Midean
When Gideon arrived back home at Ophrah, leading Zebah and Zalmunna captive, the procession must have been as exciting as a ticker-tape parade. Gideon was a true hero, with only 300 men, he had routed the enemy camp and then pursued the fleeing soldiers across the Jordan River and as far south as Karkor. He had brought his royal prisoners back, plus whatever spoils the men had gathered along the way. Gideon had a personal matter to settle with these two kings because they were guilty of killing his brothers at Tabor.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Daniel's Band, Daniel 10.11

Daniel's Band, Daniel 10.11

It didn’t do Daniel any harm to know that he was loved by God.
Some people are always afraid that, if Christian people are certain that God loves them, they’ll become proud, and conceited.
But I don’t think we should worry about that, because I don’t know of any greater blessing that can happen to any man or woman here, than to be assured by the Spirit of God that they are greatly loved by the Lord.
Just to know that God loves you will not harm you in any way, in fact it can be a blessing in many ways.
One of those ways is that you’ll become very humble, and you might say something like this to yourself: "How could God ever love me? What was there in me to deserve His love?"

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Paul and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 2.1-5

Paul and Wisdom, 1 Corinthians 2.1-5
Paul made up his mind at some point to move his ministry from Athens to Corinth; but, it was only after he came to believe it was God’s will; and it wasn’t by accident, or chance, that he made Christ his grand and constant theme, but it was his firm and deliberate purpose. You may recall that Paul made this resolution, knowing the special fondness of the Greeks for elegant oration, and for polished and sophisticated enunciation; and that he made up his mind, as we may conclude from his writings, to adopt a very narrow theme for his teaching and sermons, which was “Christ, and him crucified”; which could not have failed to attract the attention of the Greek philosophers and their followers; and he made that decision even though he must have been fully aware that the theme which he had chosen to dwell upon would be certain to excite ridicule and contempt. Nevertheless he made his decision and he stuck to it, though it might expose him to contempt, and though they might reject and despise his message.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Reaction to the Resurrection of Lazarus, John 11.45-54

Reaction to the Resurrection of Lazarus, John 11.45-54
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and that miracle brought results. First of all and most important is that many believed on him. However, there were others that did not believe and they went back to Jerusalem to report this incident to the religious leaders. They should have believed, if they saw the miracle, but the god of this world blinded their minds. Our Lord said previously, “…if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

Resurrection of Lazarus

Resurrection of Lazarus
Now the supreme question is: Can Jesus raise the dead? The big question in any religion concerns death. Death is a great mystery. And life is a great mystery, but life is practically meaningless if there is no resurrection of the dead. The question to ask of any religion is whether it has power over death.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Jude, Paul's Epistles, Commentary, verse by verse

Jude, Paul's Epistles, Commentary, verse by verse
Jude is concerned with apostasy. Even in his day, the church was already being infiltrated by religious Quislings, men who posed as servants of God but who were actually enemies of the cross of Christ. Jude’s purpose is to expose these traitors and to describe their ultimate doom.

The Thief That Believed

The Thief That Believed
The story of the dying thief is a perfect example of Christ’s power to save and of His generous willingness to receive all who come to Him, regardless of how good or bad they are. The saving of the dying thief is much more similar to our salvation experience than it is different. In fact, his case may be regarded as typical, rather than an extraordinary incident. Remember, when Jesus saved this thief, He was in a weak state.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Yola

Yola
http://teachingsermonsforpastorsandlaymen.yolasite.com/
“WHERE ART THOU?” (GENESIS 3:9) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?THE very first thing that happened after the news of the fall of man reached heaven, was that God came straight down to look for THE MAN He created. As He walks through the garden in the cool of the day, you can hear Him calling “Adam! Adam! Where art thou?Adam ought to have taken God’s place, since he was the transgressor. He had fallen, and he ought to have gone up and down Eden crying, “My God! My God! Where art Thou?” But God left heaven to find the rebel who had fallen — not to hurl him from the face of the earth, but to plan an escape for him from the misery of his sin. And he finds him — where? Hiding from his Creator among the bushes of the garden. The moment a man is out of fellowship with God, even the professed child of God, he wants to hide from Him. When God left Adam in the garden, he was in communion with his Creator, and God talked with him; but now that he has fallen, he has no desire to see his Creator, he has lost communion with his God. He cannot bear to see Him, or even to think of Him, and so he runs to hide from God. But his Maker follows him to his hiding place, where He asks, “Where art thou, Adam? Where art thou?”

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Lessons on Service, Faith and Influence, Luke 17.1-10

Lessons on Service, Faith and Influence, Luke 17.1-10
At this point Jesus began to instruct His disciples more fully as the time drew near for going to the cross. Note that He is speaking directly to His disciples. The Pharisees had been treating the tax collectors and sinners who crowded around Jesus with contempt. He warns the disciples against having a similar attitude that might cause the outcasts who had turned to Jesus for refuge to stumble. But regardless of how hard they try, He tells them that temptations are bound to come, but by God’s grace it is possible to prevent one from being one of the tempters. And a wrong attitude on the part of a disciple could easily cause the disliked one to sin by returning evil for evil.

Gideon Asks for a Sign

Gideon doubted God’s promise. Did God really want him to lead God’s army? What did he know about warfare? After all he was only an ordinary farmer; and there were others in the tribe who could do a much better job. So, before he led the attack, he asked God to give him two more signs.