Colossians 2:18-19 — The Christians at Colossae were dealing with false teaching that had a strongly mystical element. There was an emphasis on dreams and visions and they were being judged for not having these kinds of experiences. Mysticism has always troubled the church and it continues to do so today, particularly in Charismatic and…
Proverbs 3:11-12 — Immediately after reminding his son about God’s promise of prosperity, Solomon raises the matter of God’s correction – “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord…” How do we understand this text, and others like it in the Bible, that talk about chastening? What form does this chastening take? Does the…
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 — The Second Coming of Christ is the Christian’s “blessed hope.” For nearly 2,000 years the church has been looking and longing for Jesus to return and make all things right. The Bible has much to say about the Second Coming and the end times. In this sermon series, Steve is going…
Colossians 2:16-17 — Are Christians obligated to observe certain holy days? Are there particular dietary laws that Christians must keep? What about the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day? The Christians at Colossae were being told that their growth and progress in the Christians life was dependant upon these things. Was that true? What was Paul’s response? As…
Philippians 1:9-11 — Spiritual discernment is the ability to think and make decisions in light of the teachings of the Bible. This is vital for living in a manner that pleases the Lord and it enables us to enjoy the good life He has for us. So how do we develop this discernment? The answer is…
Genesis 3:1-21, Luke 13:1-5 — How do we reconcile God’s love and human suffering? This is among the most difficult questions that theologians have wrestled with and this is a question that all of us have asked when suffering has come into our lives. The Bible is not silent on this issue. It reveals that God…
Ezra 4 — It didn’t take long for those who returned from captivity in Babylon to face opposition. The work of rebuilding the Temple was opposed in a number of ways by the people that lived around Jerusalem. The forms this opposition took and the way the leaders responded provide some valuable lessons on dealing…
Proverbs 3:9-10 — In these verses Solomon reminds his son of God’s promises in the Mosaic Covenant. God promised the Nation of Israel material prosperity if they honoured Him with their substance. How does this Old Testament text apply to the New Covenant people of God? Can Christians expect prosperity in this life? The answer…
Deuteronomy 7:1-8, Romans 11:25-29, Ezekiel 22:1-31 — The Bible makes it plain that God expresses wrath in His dealings with the world. God punishes people for their sin. Eternal conscious torment in Hell is the ultimate expression of God’s wrath. So how do we square this away with God’s love? Does God’s wrath contradict His love?…
Of all the things that Christ has called His disciples to do, personal evangelism is among the most challenging! Many Christians find it difficult to share the Gospel with family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues and acquaintances. In this short study, Steve encourages us to speak the Good News and he gives us a number of…