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ScriptureStream

By Mark WatsonSociety & CultureReligion & SpiritualityChristianityPhilosophy
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ScriptureStream episodes

  • The Dangers of Biblical Ignorance

    [Due to technical issues, we had to make do with a backup recording system. Sorry for the lower audio quality on this lesson! -MRW]

    Introduction
    • II Chronicles 34:15 – The book of the law of God was lost in the house of God! It was lost for probably 60 years.
    • 20 million Bibles are sold in the United States every year. How many are read?
    • Ignorance just means lack of knowledge.
    • George Gallup described America as a nation of Biblical illiterates.
    • Satan’s greatest weapon is man’s ignorance of scriptures.
    • Hosea 4:6 – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
    • Matthew 4:4 – Man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
      • How do we prevent Biblical ignorance?
      • I Peter 2:1-3
      • Colossians 2:6-8, 18-19
      • I Timothy 4:6-8
      • Psalm 1:1-2
      • Ephesians 5:17
      • I Timothy 2:3-4; 4:13 – Give attention to reading!
      • II Timothy 2:15
      • Everyone can understand God’s word if they take the time to study!
        • Are we destroyed for lack of knowledge?
        • Do you know the books of the Bible?
        • Be careful about being too dependent on a Bible app.
        • Hebrews 5:11-14 – They had become lazy about God’s word. We can have this problem also!
        • Have we walked away from God’s pattern and just continued to drift because we didn’t study?
        • II Peter 3:15-18 – If we don’t grow, we’ll forget and go backwards!
        • Can you teach someone the plan of salvation from the scripture? If not, make up your mind to learn!
        • Can you explain why we don’t use instrumental music in worship?
        • Can you teach what the New Testament says about baptism?
        • Matthew 19:3-6
        • II Peter 1:3
        • Matthew 22:24-33 - Jesus said, “Have you not read?” He expects us to read and study! See Exodus 3:6.
        • What does God say about civil authority?
          • Unless it contradicts God’s commands, we are to submit to civil authority.
          • Where do we go when we die?
            • 1 hr 1 min
          • Leaving 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 …”
                              • 52 min
                            • Turning 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.
                                      • 53 min
                                    • 52 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!
                                                        • 39 min
                                                      • 52 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?
                                                                            • 39 min
                                                                          • Be 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).
                                                                                                      • 36 min
                                                                                                    • Preaching 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
                                                                                                            40 min
                                                                                                          • How 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
                                                                                                                      • 24 min
                                                                                                                    • Acts 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.
                                                                                                                            • 45 min
                                                                                                                          • Andrew 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.
                                                                                                                                    • 30 min

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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…