Sermons – Eastside church of Christ

In our text, Peter explained that each Christian needs to be ready to give an answer for what we believe. Giving a defense for the HOPE within us requires an ability to articulate the basics of our faith. In this series, we are going to discuss some basic questions that may arise. This is to help reinforce our own faith and help prepare us to teach others as opportunities arise.

The natural world around us is proof of a higher power (order, complexity, continuous systems). Our universe could not have come about by mere chance or from nothingness – it came from God.

Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, He performed various miracles to demonstrate His divine power. The miracle we are discussing here was Jesus calming the storm. As we study this miracle, as with every Bible passage, it is important to understand the context. This miracle teaches us certain things about Jesus and provides an important lesson for us.

A fool is one who acts foolishly. He continues in his folly even though it ought to be seen as repulsive. Yet there is hope for a fool. He may eventually realize his folly and change, yet changing requires a recognition of the problem. We would hope that all who would act foolishly would change – even if we may be the fool at times. One may be foolish simply because he does not know better. He has an opportunity to learn and become wise. Yet to remain in foolishness after being exposed to the truth requires arrogance (these go together). In this lesson, we’re going to consider a few people who are identified as fools in the Bible.

Psalm 119 is the longest psalm in the Bible – 176 verses focused on a single theme (the word of God). This psalm teaches us what the word of God is, what it does for us, and what it requires of us. We cannot cover everything in this psalm in one lesson. In this lesson, we are going to notice some of the highlights from this psalm about the word of God.

Jesus came to earth and did good, performed miracles, taught the truth, and sacrificed His life on the cross. Even so, there were times when certain people were displeased with Him. The gospels record a few occasions in which people were indignant with Jesus over what He permitted and/or what He was doing. Why were these people so upset with Jesus? And could we be guilty of the same attitude today?

Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, He performed various miracles to demonstrate His divine power. The miracle we are discussing here was Jesus healing a paralytic brought to Him through a roof. As we study this miracle, as with every Bible passage, it is important to understand the context. This miracle teaches us certain things about Jesus and provides an important lesson for us.

The gospels focus primarily on the public ministry of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion (approximately 3 years). Matthew and Luke also include Jesus’ birth and infancy. Luke also briefly recorded one event in Jesus’ childhood – when He was “lost” in the temple at 12 years old. We may be curious about what happened as Jesus grew up, but the Scriptures are mostly silent. However, the Holy Spirit did see fit to include a statement about the growth of Jesus. This may seem somewhat obvious and, therefore, insignificant; yet it was given for a reason. If Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor, then it should be expected for us to do the same. In this lesson, we are going to consider what this means for us in our lives today.

I recently read the book, Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon by David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock. The book described how living in today’s godless and digital society is like living in exile (like Babylonian captivity). Based on research of 18-29 year olds who grew up in “church,” the authors found five practices that were common among “resilient disciples.” These practices are Biblical, which makes them helpful for us to be faithful today and to help guide the next generation. So let us consider these five practices that are common for “resilient disciples.”

At the end of the book of Ephesians, Paul admonished them to “put on the full armor of God.” Why? We are involved in a spiritual conflict. There is a battle going on around us. We prepare by putting on the armor AND by knowing who our enemy is. Paul explained who our “struggle” is “against.” We are going to discuss this in our lesson.

Throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, He performed various miracles to demonstrate His divine power. The miracle we are discussing here was Jesus healing the centurion’s servant. As we study this miracle, as with every Bible passage, it is important to understand the context. This miracle teaches us certain things about Jesus and provides an important lesson for us.