Orangeburg (SC) Church of Christ Audio

The three letters attribute to John are short, but impactful.  As the first century was drawing to a close, and false teaching was beginning to grow, John sets out to deal with an early heresy and to encourage Christians to remember the blessings they had in the Lord.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Around Romans Chapter 12 the Apostle Paul shifts his focus from the need for justification and how one is justified, to how those who have been justified through faith in Christ shall live.  Early in the letter he quoted from Habakkuk stating that “the righteous shall live by faith.”  The latter chapters of that letter demonstrate how one lives by faith.

Speaker: Justin P Sivley

Paul’s letter to the Romans is often said to contain the most complete examination of the Apostle’s theology, especially with regard to justification in Christ.  In the early verses of the letter he lays out key points that are developed throughout the letter.  All are in need of the salvation that the gospel offers, and all are able to be justified through faith in Jesus Christ.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

In the final lesson from this study, we see the culmination of a life of faith, though it was one that had been filled with ups and downs.  Despite previous failures, Abraham had grown in faith over the years, and had reached the point where he was prepared to obey God no matter what.  Just as Abraham was tested, our faith is often tested in various ways, but in the end, we are strengthened and better equipped to keep following our Lord. 

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Our final lesson in the Gospel of John.  In the last chapter after appearing to a few of his disciples, Jesus has a moment with Peter, restoring the one who denied Him and commanding him to take care of the flock.  John speaks a bit about himself at the end, and though more about Jesus could be said, enough has been written that we may beleive.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

We are so thankful that Christ gave himself for us.  But as his people, we must seek to follow him faithfully.  Even when others would mistreat us for being Christians, we must remain committed to righteousness and continue in our faith.  And if we do suffer, let it be for doing right, rather than for doing wrong.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Though Abraham’s journey of faith had its ups and downs, much of it had been built around the promise that God would give him offspring.  That promise is finally fulfilled in Genesis 21 when Isaac is born.

Teacher: Allen Hutchison

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples on multiple occasions.  In one of John’s records, we deal with Jesus’ words concerning receiving the Holy Spirit, and in another we look at Thomas’ need for evidence.  Finally we begin the final chapter of John with a look at a few disciples fishing on the Sea of Galilee.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Though we are rightly concerned about the evil we often see in the world around us, God gives us assurance that the reward for faithfulness is exceedingly great.  We know from past examples that God knows how to deal with those who oppose him, and also how to rescue those who trust in him.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Christians give a contribution each first day of the week, following the pattern of the church given in the first century.  This is a Biblical practice which has long characterized God’s people, and one that should be participated in with joy and love.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley