Orangeburg (SC) Church of Christ Audio

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

This week our studies take us to the last book of the Old Testament (and probably the last one written), the book of Malachi.  Malachi challenges a people who had returned from exile, but who had still made compromises in their faith.  It demonstrates a need to continue in the truth, and not give in to complacency.

Teacher: Matt Burleson

We apologize for the delay for getting this recording posted.  It continues our discussion of Revelation Chapter 11, and the ministry of the two witnesses who represent all Christians who are called to speak God’s word even in the midst of persecution.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

We actually begin this class by finishing the previous week’s discussion of Chapter 10, and John’s eating of the book that was given to him by the angel.  We then transition into an admittedly challenging chapter, but one that, with a proper approach, we can understand and be encouraged by it.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

If we are going to abide in Christ’s word, we must listen to it carefully.  Jesus reminds us in John 12 of the source of the word, as well as how the word brings salvation, and the sorrow of judgement.  Are you listening?

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Much like the book of Revelation, the book of Zechariah is filled with symbols.  Some of these can be difficult to understand, but once we spend some time with them, we can see that our God is a God who loves his people (in every age) and a God who remains sovereign over his creation (even at the worst of times).

Teacher: Matt Burleson

God is not limited to using acts of (limited) judgement to bring sinners to repentance.  The preaching of His word is also vitally instrumental in those efforts. John’s vision of an angel with a little scroll points us in the direction of using our voices to preach the bittersweet message of the gospel.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Even as the Jews began rebuilding the temple after exile, they knew that the second temple would not be as glorious as the first temple had been. But God still encouraged them to keep working, and assured them that something better was to come.

Abiding in the word of Jesus means not only hearing it and knowing, but also putting into practice the things that he has said.  We must be like the wise building, who built his house on the rock, hearing and doing Jesus’ words.  

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

After the exile, the Jews began to worship God in Jerusalem again, first setting up the altar, and then laying the foundation of the temple. But work on the temple soon stopped, and remained stopped for about 20 years until God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people to continue the work.  Haggai’s first chapter addressed directly the problem of the people building their own houses while God’s house lies in ruins, a message which was effective in getting the people back to work.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley