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ScriptureStream

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ScriptureStream episodes

  • The New Testament Church, Part 1
    Introduction
    Christ is the head of His church.
    • Matthew 16:18
    • Acts 11:20-26
    • Acts 20:28
    • Ephesians 5:23-30
      • Let’s be precise and kind with our words.
      • Proverbs 15:1-4
      • “Legalist” - Romans 3:20; Matthew 15:9; II Thessalonians 1:8
      • “Anti-”
      • “Conservative” / “Liberal”
      • “Institutional” / “Non-institutional”
        • We’re not interested in trying to prove points based on tradition or bias.
        • John 12:48
          • We’re interested in Biblical truth.
          It’s important to continually study this topic.
          What does “church” mean?
          The word “ekklesia”
          • Matthew 16:18
          • “the ‘called-out ones’ of God” (Mounce)
          • “properly, ‘a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly’” (Thayer)
          • “a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)” (Strong)
          • The word “group” is a good parallel to ekklesia.
            • The Bible’s use of “ekklesia”: secular group
            • Israel in wilderness - Acts 7:38
            • Riotous mob - Acts 19:32, 41
            • Legal court - Acts 19:39
              • The Bible’s use of “ekklesia”:
              • Singular: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4 (Ephesians 1:22-23)
              • Plural: Acts 15:41; Romans 16:16
                • The Bible’s use of “ekklesia”: universal spiritual group
                • Ephesians 5:23-29
                • Hebrews 12:18-24
                • Matthew 16:13-20
                  • 45 min
                • The Work of Local Churches, Part 1
                  Introduction
                  Christ is the head of His church.
                  • Matthew 16:18
                  • Acts 11:20-26
                  • Acts 20:28
                  • Ephesians 5:23-30
                    • Let’s be precise and kind with our words.
                    • Proverbs 15:1-4
                    • “Legalist” - Romans 3:20; Matthew 15:9; II Thessalonians 1:8
                    • “Anti-”
                    • “Conservative” / “Liberal”
                    • “Institutional” / “Non-institutional”
                      • We’re not interested in trying to prove points based on tradition or bias.
                      • John 12:48
                        • We’re interested in Biblical truth.
                        It’s important to continually study this topic.
                        What does “church” mean?
                        The word “ekklesia”
                        • Matthew 16:18
                        • “the ‘called-out ones’ of God” (Mounce)
                        • “properly, ‘a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly’” (Thayer)
                        • “a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)” (Strong)
                        • The word “group” is a good parallel to ekklesia.
                          • The Bible’s use of “ekklesia”: secular group
                          • Israel in wilderness - Acts 7:38
                          • Riotous mob - Acts 19:32, 41
                          • Legal court - Acts 19:39
                            • The Bible’s use of “ekklesia”:
                            • Singular: Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4 (Ephesians 1:22-23)
                            • Plural: Acts 15:41; Romans 16:16
                              • The Bible’s use of “ekklesia”: universal spiritual group
                              • Ephesians 5:23-29
                              • Hebrews 12:18-24
                              • Matthew 16:13-20
                                • 45 min
                              • Luke 24, Part 2
                                Luke 24, continued
                                Luke 24:13-35 - The road to Emmaus
                                • ” … Two of them …”
                                  • It is suspected that one of the two men was Luke himself, but we don’t know for sure.
                                  • Discussion with Jesus
                                  • Jesus’ sermon to them
                                  • Overnight stay
                                  • Back to Jerusalem
                                    • Luke 24:36-49 - Jesus appears again
                                    • To the entire group
                                      • Surprised beyond belief
                                      • Shows His wounds
                                      • Takes food
                                      • Reminds them: law, prophets, psalms
                                      • “You are witnesses”
                                      • Stay here
                                        • Luke 24:50-53
                                        • Jesus leads them to Bethany
                                        • Blessed disciples
                                        • Carried up into Heaven
                                        • They worshipped Him
                                          • Deuteronomy 6:13 - Jesus was deity!
                                          • Joyful return to Jerusalem
                                          • Continually praised God
                                            • Luke final words
                                            • Why four gospel accounts?
                                            • Why did Luke write it?
                                            • What were some of the differences?
                                            • What is unique about the book of Luke?
                                              • Matthew - Jesus the King
                                              • Mark - Jesus the servant
                                                • Written more for Gentiles; explains Jewish traditions.
                                                • Emphasis was on Jesus’ actions more than His words
                                                • John - Jesus the Son of God
                                                  • Emphasis was on the deity of Christ. John 20:30-31
                                                  • Luke
                                                    • An “orderly” account, designed for a Gentile audience.
                                                    • Theophilus was likely a Roman Gentile
                                                    • Gives most complete record fo young Jesus.
                                                      • 38 min
                                                    • Obedience
                                                      Introduction
                                                      • Romans 1:5; 16:26
                                                        • Why do we obey God?
                                                        Because we love Him!
                                                        • I John 4:7-11, 19-21; 5:1-3 - Loving God means loving our brethren and vice versa. Loving God also means obeying Him.
                                                        • John 4:31-34; 8:28-29
                                                        • John 14:29-31 - Jesus was submitting to crucifixion because of His love for the Father.
                                                        • John 17:4
                                                          • Because His laws are good for us.
                                                          • Deuteronomy 6:24
                                                          • Proverbs 6:27-35 - God’s marriage law points us away from trouble.
                                                          • Proverbs 23:30-35 - Stay away from alcohol.
                                                          • Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
                                                          • These are the only laws you can follow without hesitation. They are for our good!
                                                            • Because we want to be saved.
                                                            • Ecclesiastes 12:14
                                                            • Ecclesiastes 11:9
                                                            • Hebrews 5:8
                                                            • James 2:20-24 - Belief here clearly includes obedience.
                                                            • James 1:26, 21, 25 - We must obey to be blessed.
                                                            • Matthew 7:21
                                                              • 27 min
                                                            • Spiritual Growth By Design
                                                              Introduction
                                                              • Hebrews 5:11-14 - Mature people get that way by practice.
                                                              • II Peter 3:18
                                                                • Examining yourself
                                                                • Haggai 1:1-9 - Consider your ways!
                                                                • Psalms 119:59
                                                                • Lamentations 3:40
                                                                • Is it possible we could sit down once a week and examine ourselves?
                                                                • Matthew 7:1-5 - Do some self-evaluation first!
                                                                • II Corinthians 13:5
                                                                • How about making some self-evaluation cards?
                                                                  • Am I using my money for good? Luke 10:35
                                                                  • Have I been gossiping? Proverbs 26:20
                                                                  • When people see me, do they see the joy a Christian should have? Galatians 5:22
                                                                  • Do I encourage others to serve the Lord? Acts 11:23
                                                                    • Praying
                                                                    • Praying in Acts
                                                                      • No one was “above” praying to God.
                                                                        • Acts 1:13-14; 6:4; 20:26
                                                                        • Prayers were actually heard by God.
                                                                          • Acts 10:4, 31; 12:5; 8:22
                                                                          • Prayer was a habit.
                                                                            • Acts 1:14; 2:42; 10:2, 30, 9; 12:5, 12; 16:25
                                                                            • Suggestion: plan a special, focused prayer each day
                                                                              • Day
                                                                              Focus
                                                                              Sunday
                                                                              Services
                                                                              Monday
                                                                              Myself
                                                                              Tuesday
                                                                              The prospects in my life
                                                                              Wednesday
                                                                              Worship and praise
                                                                              Thursday
                                                                              The local church
                                                                              Friday
                                                                              Family
                                                                              Saturday
                                                                              Superiors
                                                                              • How to do this:
                                                                                • Make a list
                                                                                • Set a time
                                                                                • Use an app
                                                                                  • Reading the Bible
                                                                                  • Hosea 4:1-6
                                                                                  • Psalms 119:105
                                                                                  • I strongly encourage every person to read the Bible at least on a weekly basis!
                                                                                  • Nothing will give you an overarching understaning of the Bible story like reading the Bible itself.
                                                                                  • Nothing will familiarize you with the Bible like reading it:
                                                                                    • the words the Holy Spirit chose
                                                                                    • the phrasing
                                                                                    • the repitition of certain things
                                                                                    • the details or lack of details in certain stories
                                                                                    • the unfiltered descriptions of God, people, and sin
                                                                                    • How to do this
                                                                                      • Choose a good translation
                                                                                        • (I recommend: ESV, NASB, NKJV, etc.)
                                                                                        • Designate a time.
                                                                                        • Decide on a plan.
                                                                                        • Bible reading plans
                                                                                          • The Classic: Just pick it up and read it.
                                                                                            • 1,189 chapters (3.3 per day or about 23 per week)
                                                                                            • Use a special daily reading Bible
                                                                                            • The Story
                                                                                              • Abridged Bible (imperfect summaries, footnotes)
                                                                                              • Possibility: read full New Testament and The Story Old Testament
                                                                                              • Use an app
                                                                                                • YouVersion
                                                                                                • Olive Tree
                                                                                                • Word of Promise
                                                                                                • Dwell
                                                                                                • Deuteronomy 17:18
                                                                                                  • 47 min
                                                                                                • Psalm 19
                                                                                                  Introduction
                                                                                                  • Psalms 51:1
                                                                                                  • Psalms 23:4
                                                                                                    • Psalms 19:1-6 - Creation proves there is a Creator.
                                                                                                    • Psalms 19:1 - The heavens continue to declare the glory of God.
                                                                                                      • Genesis 1:1
                                                                                                      • Romans 1:19-20
                                                                                                      • Psalms 19:2 - See Hebrews 1:3.
                                                                                                      • Psalms 19:4-6 - Let us take time to admire and appreciate God’s creation.
                                                                                                        • Psalms 8:3
                                                                                                          • Psalms 19:7-11 - The Creator has a will for us.
                                                                                                          • God is the source of truth.
                                                                                                          • James 2:12
                                                                                                          • Hebrews 1:1-2
                                                                                                          • Psalms 119:27
                                                                                                          • Ephesians 5:17
                                                                                                          • God’s word should be the strongest influence in our lives.
                                                                                                            • Psalms 19:12-14 - We must obey His will.
                                                                                                            • Psalms 19:12 - Hidden sin: sin you don’t realize you’ve committed
                                                                                                            • Psalms 19:13 - Presumptuous sin: sin committed willfully, in full knowledge that it was sin
                                                                                                            • Romans 6:22-23
                                                                                                            • Ignorance of sin will not be an excuse at Judgment.
                                                                                                            • Luke 6:46
                                                                                                            • Psalms 14:1 - What is the difference between being an atheist and being someone who claims to be a Christian but does not obey Him?
                                                                                                            • James 2:26
                                                                                                              • 25 min
                                                                                                            • Luke 24
                                                                                                              Luke 23, continued
                                                                                                              Luke 23:50-56 - Joseph of Arimathea
                                                                                                              • He used his money for good.
                                                                                                                • Matthew 27:57-60 - This was Joseph’s own tomb.
                                                                                                                • Isaiah 53:9 - It was prophesied that Jesus would be with a rich man at His death.
                                                                                                                • Mark 15:46 - Joseph brought a linen wrap for Jesus’ body.
                                                                                                                • He struggled with enormous peer pressure.
                                                                                                                  • Mark 15:42-47 - Joseph was a prominent member of the counsel.
                                                                                                                  • John 3:1-2 - Joseph was in a similar position to Nicodemus.
                                                                                                                  • John 19:38
                                                                                                                  • John 12:42
                                                                                                                  • He heart was on God’s agenda
                                                                                                                    • Luke 23:51
                                                                                                                      • Luke 24
                                                                                                                      Luke 24:1-12
                                                                                                                      • Even the apostles were surprised by the resurrection.
                                                                                                                        • They should have known, but it did not connect with them.
                                                                                                                        • Luke 18:32
                                                                                                                        • Matthew 28:13
                                                                                                                        • The swoon theory
                                                                                                                          • The idea that Jesus didn’t really die - He was revived while in the tomb.
                                                                                                                          • This does not match the facts at all!
                                                                                                                          • “He has risen”
                                                                                                                            • Acts 2:23, 36 - He is Lord and Christ!
                                                                                                                            • Importance of Christ’s resurrection
                                                                                                                              • Romans 1:4
                                                                                                                              • Romans 4:24-25
                                                                                                                              • Romans 10:9
                                                                                                                              • I Corinthians 15:17
                                                                                                                              • Philippians 3:9-11
                                                                                                                              • I Thessalonians 1:10
                                                                                                                              • I Peter 1:3
                                                                                                                              • Counting time
                                                                                                                                • Leviticus 23:32 - Sunset to sunset was one day.
                                                                                                                                • Time was counted inclusively, so part of one day was counted as one day.
                                                                                                                                • Example:
                                                                                                                                  • Day 1: Acts 10:3
                                                                                                                                  • Day 2: Acts 10:9
                                                                                                                                  • Day 3: Acts 10:23
                                                                                                                                  • Day 4: Acts 10:24, 30 - “four days ago”
                                                                                                                                  • Jesus’ enemies understood what He meant. Matthew 27:63-64
                                                                                                                                    • 40 min
                                                                                                                                  • Original Sin
                                                                                                                                    What is the doctrine of original sin?

                                                                                                                                    “Since, therefore, the curse, which goes about through all the regions of the world, flowed hither and yon from Adam’s guilty, it is not unreasonable if it is spread to all his offspring. Original sin, therefore, seems to be a hereditary depravity and corruption of our nature diffused into all parts of the soul.” - John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 2, Chapter 1

                                                                                                                                    “As the result of Adam’s transgression, men are born in sin and by nature are spiritually dead.” - Steele, Thomas, and Quinn, The Five Points of Calvinism, p. 20

                                                                                                                                    • Genesis 2:16-17; 3:6-7, 14-19, 22-24
                                                                                                                                    • We still feel the consequences of Adam’s sin today. But we do not read of the guilt of sin being passed on in Genesis.
                                                                                                                                      • Romans 5 is the key text
                                                                                                                                      • Romans 5:1, 12-21
                                                                                                                                        • The TEXT (Romans 5)
                                                                                                                                        • Augustine was the main early writer that talked about original sin. He was working from a Latin translation that had “in whom all sinned” in Romans 5:12. This is generally regarded as an inaccurate translation and possibly led to his misunderstanding of the verse.
                                                                                                                                        • Romans 5:13-14 - We all did not sin in the same way Adam did.
                                                                                                                                        • Romans 5:15-16 - If we believe we are all condemned by Adam’s sin, we must also believe all are automatically saved by Jesus’ sacrifice and no one goes to hell.
                                                                                                                                        • Romans 5:18-19 - Christ justifies all men when we do what He requires of us to take advantage of the blessing.
                                                                                                                                        • Romans 5:20-21 - Will we follow Adam’s path of sin or Jesus’ path of redemption?
                                                                                                                                          • The CONTEXT (Romans)
                                                                                                                                          • Romans 1:18
                                                                                                                                          • Romans 2:1, 23
                                                                                                                                          • Romans 4:5, 7
                                                                                                                                          • Romans 6:3-4, 11-12
                                                                                                                                          • Romans 11:22
                                                                                                                                          • Romans 6:23
                                                                                                                                            • OTHER TEXTS (the rest of the Bible)
                                                                                                                                            • Matthew 19:14 - Why would Jesus say this is children are born in sin?
                                                                                                                                            • Ezekiel 18:20 - The person who sins will die.
                                                                                                                                            • Romans 14:12
                                                                                                                                              • 30 min
                                                                                                                                            • Money, Part 3
                                                                                                                                              Be a good steward of your millions
                                                                                                                                              Matthew 25:20-21
                                                                                                                                              • Think about how much money the average American worker earns over the course of their lives:
                                                                                                                                                • $40,000 * 40 years = $1.6 million
                                                                                                                                                • What will God say about how you handled the money that went through your hands?
                                                                                                                                                • If you actually track your money for a month you might be surprised!
                                                                                                                                                • Surprising facts about millionaires:
                                                                                                                                                  • “79% of millionaires did not inherit a dime of money on their way to a million dollars. That means they worked and saved their way to wealth …
                                                                                                                                                  • Only 31% had an average annual salary of $100,000 or more over the course of their careers. And about one-third of all millionaires never had a six-figure salary in their life!
                                                                                                                                                  • 94% of millionaires live on less than they make, compared to 55% of the general population.”
                                                                                                                                                  • Source
                                                                                                                                                    • I Corinthians 16:1-2
                                                                                                                                                    • Think about the blessings and opportunities that can come from money.
                                                                                                                                                      • I Timothy 6:17
                                                                                                                                                      • Ultimately, our security in life comes from God.
                                                                                                                                                        • James 4:13-14
                                                                                                                                                        Gaining by giving
                                                                                                                                                        Giving helps ME.
                                                                                                                                                        • Ephesians 4:22-28
                                                                                                                                                        • I Tmothy 6:18-19
                                                                                                                                                          • Savers need to learn to rely on God.
                                                                                                                                                          • Many studies show that giving and generosity make people feel significantly better.
                                                                                                                                                          • Ephesians 2:10
                                                                                                                                                            • Giving make us more like God.
                                                                                                                                                            • John 3:16
                                                                                                                                                            • I John 3:16-18
                                                                                                                                                            • Luke 6:35
                                                                                                                                                            • II Corinthians 8:9
                                                                                                                                                              • 47 min
                                                                                                                                                            • Seeing God
                                                                                                                                                              Introduction
                                                                                                                                                              • Do you ever feel discouraged or disconnected from God?
                                                                                                                                                              • John 20:29
                                                                                                                                                              • How can we actually see God? Through His word.
                                                                                                                                                              • How do we feel His loving care and protection?
                                                                                                                                                                • Key things we can do to see God
                                                                                                                                                                Look at God’s word
                                                                                                                                                                • Matthew 5:8 - The pure in heart shall see God.
                                                                                                                                                                  • II Peter 1:5-8
                                                                                                                                                                  • Two ways to see God.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Pure in heart will see God in heaven.
                                                                                                                                                                    • We see God by experiencing Him.
                                                                                                                                                                    • Colossians 1:15-16
                                                                                                                                                                    • Deuteronomy 6:24
                                                                                                                                                                      • God’s rules are for our good. Hopefully we make rules for our children for the same reason.
                                                                                                                                                                      • Hebrews 10:25
                                                                                                                                                                        • Look for God in our everyday life
                                                                                                                                                                        • Romans 1:20 - Creation
                                                                                                                                                                          • Genesis 1-2
                                                                                                                                                                          • Romans 1:21-22 - Look what happens when we don’t purify our hearts!
                                                                                                                                                                          • God’s blessings
                                                                                                                                                                            • Romans 15:29
                                                                                                                                                                            • Ephesians 2:8
                                                                                                                                                                            • We should consider ourselves stewards of these blessings and look at them to draw near to God.
                                                                                                                                                                              • Lof for God’s love in others
                                                                                                                                                                              • Matthew 22:39; John 13:34; Romans 13:10
                                                                                                                                                                              • Finish the race to see God
                                                                                                                                                                                • II Timothy 4:7-8
                                                                                                                                                                                • II Corinthians 4:16-18
                                                                                                                                                                                • I John 3:2
                                                                                                                                                                                  • God’s promise
                                                                                                                                                                                  • Revelation 22:4 - We will see Him!
                                                                                                                                                                                    • 34 min

                                                                                                                                                                                  About ScriptureStream

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                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the gospel, plainly spoken. ScriptureStream compiles lessons presented at the Benchley church of Christ, located just north of Bryan, TX. Visit ScriptureStream.com for full notes on each lesson…