ScriptureStream

By Mark Watson

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 a... more

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How many episodes does ScriptureStream have?

The podcast currently has 3,201 episodes available.

ScriptureStream episodes:

April 18, 2023Leaving the Church
Why Young People Stay “In Church”
Ate dinner 5 of 7 nights a week as a family.
Proverbs 15:17; Matthew 6:9, 11
“The Family Dinner Table” – Connie Adams
Served with their families in a local church.
Romans 16:1-5; I Corinthians 16:15-18
Parents and their children personally involved in the work of the local church.
Cleaning the building.
Participate in workday.
Preparing communion.
Taking food to a member.
Visiting the elderly.
Had one spiritual experience in the home during the week.
I Thessalonians 5:17; II Timothy 3:14-17; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalms 145:4
Prayer should be a daily activity.
Reading the Bible and discussing it.
Preparing lessons for Bible classes.
Engaging our children in spiritual conversations.
Entrusted with responsibility in spiritual service at an early age.
Luke 2:49; Ecclesiastes 12:1
Helping to prepare the classroom for a new teaching quarter.
Putting up numbers for songs/attendance.
Handling out bulletins.
Reading scripture.
Leading prayer.
Extending the invitation.
Leading singing.
Had at least one faith-focused adult in their lives other than a parent.
II Kings 12:2; Hebrews 13:7, 17; I Peter 5:3
Those that take a sincere interest in them:
Preacher
Elder
Deacons
Bible class teachers
Parents of other young people
Older members
Staying in the Church
Luke 9:23-26
Attached instead of detached.
Involved instead of uninvolved.
Connected instead of disconnected.
A spiritual focus instead of a world focus.
Two-fold responsibility:
Proverbs 22:6; cf. Ephesians 6:4 – “Train up a child in the way he should go …”
Ecclesiastes 12:1 – “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth …”
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52min
April 17, 2023Turning the World Upside Down
Introduction
Acts 17:1-9
Matthew 10:34-38
Luke 12:51-52
I Corinthians 1:22-24 – We preach Christ crucified.
Christ and His teaching was controversial to:
The Jewish rulers (John 9:16)
The Jewish people (John 7:40-40; 10:19-21, 30-33)
His family (John 7:2-5)
His disciples (John 6:59-67)
The controversial gospel of Christ
God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1)
God made two genders: male and female (Genesis 1:27)
Marriage is between man and woman (Matthew 19:4)
Homosexuality is perverse and sinful (Romans 1:26-27)
Your body belongs to God (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Baptism is essential to salvation (Acts 22:16)
Repentance precedes baptism (Acts 2:38; 17:30)
One, true church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23)
No authority for instruments in worship (Ephesians 5:19)
One scriptural cause for divorce (Matthew 5:32; 19:9)
II Corinthians 10:4-5
Jesus and His teachings have always been controversial.
Jude 1:3
II Timothy 2:24-26
Turning the world upside down preaching …
The truth that sets men free from sin was taught. (John 8:32)
The message was preached with humility, love, plainness, and boldness.
Many rejected the gospel; some souls were saved.
Will continue to be controversial and divisive.
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53min
April 16, 202352 Days, Part 2
Introduction
Nehemiah 6:15-16
What could you do in 52 days?
Sunday, April 16 to Tuesday, June 6.
Read through the entire New Testament!
I Timothy 4:13; Psalms 1:2; Matthew 4:4; 5:6
You will make time to do whatever you delight to do!
End bad habit, begin good habit! (Ephesians 4:20-24)
Euphemisms; impatience; wasting time on TV, video games, social media, cell phone use, etc.
Pray, visit sick, family Bible study, hospitable, etc.
Make at least on spiritual contact!
Matthew 9:35-38
Strive for perfect attendance
Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 6:33
Every member increase their giving
II Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:6-7
Evangelistic effort by the local church
I Thessalonians 1:8
Conclusion
Nehemiah 2:17-18 – Let us get to work!
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39min
April 16, 202352 Days, Part 1
Rebuilding the wall: Nehemiah
Nehemiah 6:15-16
Fifty-two days
Nehemiah 1:1-2:10
The condition of the people of Jerusalem
In great distress and reproach (Nehemiah 1:3)
The condition of the walls of Jerusalem
Broken down and gates burned with fire (Nehemiah 1:3; 2:13)
Their enemies mocked and plotted against them.
Nehemiah 2:10, 19; 4:1-3, 7-8
The remnant held strong, godly leadership.
Ezra (Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 8:1-8); Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:11-20)
The people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah 4:6
The people joined together in a united effort.
Nehemiah 3
Continued to work and were prepared to fight.
Nehemiah 4:9-23 – They refused to quit working! This was the work of the Lord.
Nehemiah 6:15-16
Conclusion
What could you do in 52 days?
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39min
April 16, 2023Be an Encourager, Not a Discourager
Introduction
I Thessalonians 5:11
Be an encourager, not a discourager!
Numbers 13:25-33 – Ten of the twelve spies brought back a discouraging report.
Numbers 14:1-4
Deuteronomy 1:21, 28 – “our brethren have discouraged our hearts”
The effects of discouragement
It is demoralizing.
It often has a leavening effect.
It creates a negative atmosphere.
Ezra 4:4-5
Barnabas, son of encouragement
Acts 4:32-37 – Our first introduction to Barnabas.
Be a Barnabas!
What does a “Barnabas” do?
He or she gives comfort and encouragement to others (Acts 4:36; cf. Galatians 6:2).
I Thessalonians 5:14
He or she stands up and speaks on behalf of others (Acts 9:26-27).
He or she encourages fellow Christians “that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23; cf. I Corinthians 15:58).
He or she gives others a “second chance” to serve the Lord (Acts 15:37-39).
Be a “Barnabas” to others!
Let us encourage our older members.
Those who are faithful in coming but often in pain; widows and widowers; our shut-in.
Let us encourage those who are married to non-Christians or divorced, but faithful.
Let us encourage those who battle chronic illnesses and diseases.
Let us encourage our Bible class teachers.
Let us encourage our children and young people to put God first in their lives.
Let us encourage elders, deacons, preachers (and their spouses) as they serve.
Let us encourage younger men to be preparing themselves to be elders/deacons.
Let us encourage those we know who are presently struggling with discouragement.
Conclusion
We all need an encourager!
I Thessalonians 5:11
You need an encourager!
Who’s your Barnabas?
Every Christian should see encouraging others as an essential part of their discipleship.
Encouraging is a spiritual art that can be learned, mostly through practice.
Let me encourage you:
To obey the gospel of Christ, in order to receive salvation (Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15-16).
To grow in your faith and remain faithful in serving the Lord (II Peter 1:5; Acts 11:23).
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36min
April 12, 2023Preaching in Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Preaching in Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-12:44)
Mark 11:1-11 – Fulfilled prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.
Mark 11:27-33 – Authority of Jesus challenged. All authority is from one of two sources: man or God.
Mark 12:-1-12 – Parable of the tenants.
Mark 12:13-17 – Paying taxes to Caesar
Mark 12:18-27 – “Sadducees,” no marriage in resurrection
Mark 12:28-34 – Greatest commandment – love God and neighbor
Mark 12:35-37 – Whose Son is the Christ?
Mark 12:38-40 – Beware of the scribes and their hypocrisy
Mark 12:41-44 – Widows offering – “gave more than all”
Mark 13:1-2 – Temple would be thrown down, not one stone left on another. Josephus said there were some stones of the temple that were 8’ x 10’ x 70’!
Destruction of Jerusalem and the temple
Destruction of Jerusalem
Mark
Luke
Admiring the temple and buildings
Mark 13:1
Temple will be destroyed
Mark 13:2
Questions: When? Sign?
Mark 13:3-4
Early events before destruction
Mark
Luke
False Christs
Mark 13:5-6
Wars
Mark 13:7-8
Famines (Acts 11:28)
Mark 13:8
Earthquakes
Mark 13:8
Delivered to death (Acts 12:1-2)
Mark 13:9, 11
Apostasy (II Peter 2:20-22)
Mark 13:12-13
Gospel to all the world (Colossians 1:23)
Mark 13:10
Then cometh the end
Mark
Luke
Abomination of desolation (Daniel 9:23-27)
Mark 13:14
Luke 21:20
Disciples are to flee
Mark 13:14-18
There will be great affliction – Josephus said over 1.1 million were killed by the Romans and famine (including cannibalism) and 97,000 were enslaved and abused by the Romans.
Mark 13:19-23
Followed by nation goes dark (Isaiah 13:1-22) (both nations gone, the rulers (sun, moon, stars) are dark)
Mark 13:24-25
Coming of the Son of Man (Isaiah 19:1) – see below
Mark 13:26
Send angels (messengers/teachers)
Mark 13:27
Gather (save) the elect
Mark 13:27
Fig tree and the sign – When the trees bud out, that is a sign that summer is nigh.
Mark 13:28-29
Four different comings of Jesus in scripture:
Physical, coming to earth – John 16:28
Spiritual, come into hearts, mark abode with us – John 14:23
Coming thru/via agent representative (Egypt, Assyria, Rome, etc.)
Isaiah 19:1 - Agents God used to afflict Egypt was Egypt from within, Israel, and Assyria
Mark 13:26 – The agent Jesus used in the destruction of Judaism, Jerusalem and the temple, was the Roman army.
Second coming of Jesus
Conclusion
Mark
Luke
This generation shall not pass away till all these things are accomplished.
Mark 13:30-31
Luke 21:32; Matthew 24:34
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40min
April 09, 2023How Do I Benefit from the Resurrection of Jesus?
Introduction
I Peter 1:3-5
I must first believe that Jesus rose from the dead.
Acts 2:3, 24, 31
Peter reached a spiritual low point after denying Christ.
Luke 24:11-12, 17-27, 45-49 – The life work of the apostles would be to tell people about the risen Jesus.
Acts 1:1-8
Acts 2:36 – What changed for Peter? The resurrection!
I Corinthians 15:12-17 – If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, how could we believe anything He said? But He did rise!
I must get to work!
Acts 2:38; 3:15, 19-20
Acts 17:18, 30-31 – This is the proof that we need to repent!
Romans 1:4-5
I must die to sin and walk in newness of life!
Romans 6:1-4
Jesus (spiritual)
Me (physical)
Death
Dead to sin
Burial
Buried in baptism
Resurrection
Walk in newness of life
Our goal should be to never sin again!
Philippians 3:6-11 – However hard it is to put away the old life, it’s worth it!
Colossians 2:12; 3:1-14
I Peter 2:24
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24min
April 09, 2023Acts 24:10-26:23
Imprisoned in Caesarea (Acts 24-26), continued:
Felix (Acts 24), continued:
Acts 24:10 – Felix had been governor for 5-6 years at this point.
Acts 24:24-27 – This seems to be moral procrastination on the part of Felix. Compare Acts 2:41; 8:36; 16:33. In those cases, baptism was immediate!
Festus (Acts 25)
Acts 25:11-12 – We have known for a while that Paul would somehow end up in Rome. See Acts 23:11.
Acts 25:13 – This is King Agrippa II. Agrippa and Felix were brothers-in-law. Berenice was Agrippa’s sister (with some rumors of an incestual relationship).
Agrippa (Acts 26)
Acts 26:6 – Compare Acts 23:30-35.
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45min
April 09, 2023Andrew the Ordinary
Introduction
Matthew 4:18; 10:2; Mark 1:16; Luke 6:14; John 1:40; 6:8
Andrew was always described as Peter’s brother.
John 12:20
Mark 13:3-4
Just because Andrew’s work was not mentioned much in the Bible does not mean his work wasn’t important.
Mark 3:13
Mark 14:6 – This small act was remembered!
Mark 9:41
He spotted the truth and told others about it
John 1:35-42
John 1:15, 19-23, 29
Am I open to truth like this? If we are waiting for the majority, we won’t be like Andrew!
Andrew brought Peter to Jesus and Peter is still teaching many through his recorded words. Not bad work for the ordinary man Andrew!
He changed his life for Jesus
Mark 1:14-22
He dropped everything to follow Jesus!
Acts 23:24-25 – Don’t be like Felix!
We all have our own lives. So did Andrew. But he dropped everything to follow Jesus.
He was still a disciple after seeing what was involved
Acts 1:13-14
Matthew 10:16-23 – Their job was not a rosy picture!
Matthew 13:20-21
Being a Christian means persecution and enduring temptation.
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30min
April 05, 2023Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce and remarriage
Mark 10:1-9 – Jesus went all the way back to the beginning to explain marriage.
Mark 10:10-12 – The laws of marriage work the same way for both husband and wife.
Compare Matthew 19:8-9.
God’s plan was one man and one woman for life.
Jesus re-affirms and re-establishes God’s original plan for marriage and gives God’s present law for mankind.
All who are put away for any reason and anyone who has put away a mate for some cause other than fornication cannot remarry with God’s approval – their marriage is adultery!
What are people to do who are in such marriages?
Some say, “well, they’re married, so it’s okay.”
Mark 6:17 – Herod was in an unlawful marriage and was rebuked for it.
Some say, “God wouldn’t break up families.”
Ezra 9:3 – Ezra was dismayed at the unlawful marriages.
Ezra 9:4-15 – They took this seriously!
Ezra 10:1-2 – Now there is hope!
Ezra 10:3-4 – They put away unlawful wives and children.
Ezra 10:11 – It took time, but they did it!
Repent or perish!
Repentance demands cessation of all sinful deeds and relationships.
There are many false doctrines on divorce and remarriage.
Alien sinners and marriage
Do God’s laws apply only to Christians?
The Bible teaches:
Men in the world are guilty of specific sins.
I Corinthians 5:9-10; 6:9-11
We are to reprove the world of specific sins.
Ephesians 5:3-13, 11
All men are subject to the universal authority of Jesus.
Matthew 28:18
Ephesians 1:19-23
But doesn’t baptism wash away all sins?
Baptism does not allow any sinful relationships to be continued or carried over into Christ’s church.
Baptism without repentance is NO GOOD. Repentance demands the cessation of all sinful deeds and relationships.
Repentance and prayer do the same thing for the Christian (Acts 8:22; I John 1:7-10) that repentance and baptism do for the alien sinner (Acts 2:38 - remission of sins in both cases).
Conclusion
The only God-approved “remarriage” whether involving aliens or Christians is when:
One remarries after his/her mate has died.
One remarries after putting his/her mate away for adultery.
All other remarriages are without God’s approval and are adulterous relationships.
There are three groups God will join in lawful matrimony:
Those who have never been lawfully married.
Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:3-9; I Corinthians 7:2
Those whose mate has died.
I Corinthians 7:3-9 (marriage must be according to God’s law)
Those who have put away a mate because of fornication.
Matthew 19:9; 5:32
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39min

FAQs about ScriptureStream:

How many episodes does ScriptureStream have?

The podcast currently has 3,201 episodes available.