January 4, 2023January 4, 2023
Psalm 20:1-9
Introduction This Psalm is somewhat of a National Anthem Psalm, thought of during war time. It could be sung as a prayer for the king by the people. It would of course be directed to God. It is an intercessory prayer on the part of the people for their leader. There are parts of this Psalm that are prophetical to Jesus as well.
September 21, 2022Romans 7:1-3
Introduction
Romans Chapter Seven, deals with the Law. We were introduced to Sanctification in chapter six, and he continues to deal with sanctification. In chapter six, he deals with liberalism. That is being free from sin, the mindset can become, do whatever you want. In chapter seven, he deals with legalism. Legalism is the idea that as long as we dress a certain way, or do certain things that we have a higher spiritual position that others. Weirsbe words it this way,
August 28, 2022August 28, 2022
Revelation 2:1-7
Introduction
These start out with the words, “Unto the angel of the church…” An angel is a messenger, and so while it is not spelled out for us, it is often believed these messages are given to the pastor of the church.
Ephesus was a very prominent city in Asia of great wealth, and commercialism. The great temple of Diana sat outside of the city, and was a spectacular site to behold. It was very large, and built out of shiny marble. You can read about it in Acts 19, where the idol makers were very upset that their trade was suffering economic loss.
September 21, 2022Psalm 21:1-6
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)
September 21, 2022Romans 7:14-20
Introduction
Can I give you a little reassurance of your salvation tonight. If you are truly born again, you are going to struggle with sin. Lost people do NOT STRUGGLE with sin! It doesn’t bother them to get high, drunk, or live a sinful life. They live that way on a regular basis, without concern.
Some people have been taught certain things are morally wrong. Therefore, they try not to do things, because they are smitten by their conscience from what their mom and dad have taught them. But as society decays, and normal slides, so does morality. Paul really covered that in the first few chapters of Romans. Societal rules become a guide of right and wrong.
September 21, 2022Psalm 22
Introduction
The unveiling of Christ in Psalm 22. As we read this Psalm now, knowing the NT, the Life of Jesus Christ, his death on the cross of Calvary, it is hard for us NOT to see Jesus prophesied in this Psalm. However, if you had read this prior to Jesus Death, you probably would NOT have associated it with the Messiah that was to come. You may have viewed it as a persecuted saint feeling abandoned, and attacked, and finally alleviated.
September 21, 2022Romans 8:1-4
Introduction
While Romans 8:1 is the start of a new chapter, it is not the start of a new topic. It carries over from Chapter 7, in which the great conflict within every believer is discussed. It draws to a close with the question, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Rom 7:24.
While there is eternal deliverance in Jesus Christ through Salvation, Paul now once again makes a play on words, with condemnation. Not every time that condemnation is used in the Bible is it talking about eternal condemnation.
September 4, 2022September 4, 2022
Revelation 2:8-11
Introduction
This is the shortest of the letters to the churches.
Nothing negative is mentioned in the letter to the church of Smyrna. Smyrna was also a wealthy commercial city. Perhaps not as great as Ephesus, but still a wealthy city.
The message is that of encouragement through persecution. Persecution, is not an enjoyable topic, and yet, it is given by Christ himself, who know more about persecution, and suffering than anyone else! Jesus lived an absolutely SINLESS life, and didn’t deserve not even one lash of punishment, yet he took it, for our sakes. It is he, “which was dead, and is alive;”
September 21, 2022Psalm 23
1 Timothy 6:6-9 – godliness + contentment = great gain!
“Where he leads me, I will follow, follow any where.”
This is the greatest of all comforts, the Shepherd is nearby.
September 21, 2022Romans 8:11, 12-17
Introduction
I accidentally left out verse 11, which goes with the last passage we covered. And has some very good truths in it that we must cover before moving on to the next set of verses.
The question is asked in Romans 7:24 -
Rom. 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
1. Jesus Christ in Salvation (Rom 7:25)