Ben Church of Christ: Recent Episodes
Ben Church of Christ
These are lessons broadcast each Sunday @ 9:45 on KWOZ 103.3 in Northern Arkansas. They by provided by the Ben Church of Christ with host Jerry Prince. Visit Benchurchofchrist.org
What draws the line that puts us in favor or out of favor with our maker? We look back at some examples that make a loud statement in their actions that lead to God's actions.
A study in Acts 1 and the day of Pentecost. The Apostles were told to wait, this is that time.
The Church of Christ is known for not using instrumental music but voices only. While defending this practice, we ask if as much emphasis is put on singing with the spirit as much as the understanding (truth).
God's plan from before the beginning was to bring him back after the fall. Once man accepts that plan, can he lose that place, and be lost once again?
Nadab and Ibihu were taught a valuable lesson - costing them their lives. But the lessons taught don't stop there as their father was not allowed to stop duties of the tabernacle in order to tend to the death of two of his four sons.
We continue our thought from last visit on man struggling to obey, when things just don't align logically. Jeremiah was given a task that made little sense from his perspective, yet God opened his eyes to see the bigger plan.
God's plan for man existed before the creation. Man would fall, but there would be a plan to bring him back into a right relationship with his maker. What was preplanned or predetermined as part of that?
Man is logical, with the ability to reason, think, weigh options. While we are the most intelligent of God's creation, God is still far more superior than we can every imagine. We consider Isa 55 and look at some examples of when man's logic just didn't meet God's expectations.
The title is not a mistake - Israel went from worshiping IN the temple to worshiping the temple itself. We consider the consequences and the application for today in this week's message.
Repentance of past wrongs is among the first steps in being converted. What did the first century Christians put in front of them as they moved away from what was behind? The foundation set into motion was recorded and should continue even today.
Repentance was among the first words of John the Baptist and then Jesus at the start of his mission. We inventory our lives and make application - but what impact did this have on those that heard these words for the first time?
A feast is prepared and those that accepted the invitation would have nothing to do with the event. This is one of the many parables of Christ. What does it teach us?
At the onset of the ministryn of Christ is the statement, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." What did this mean to those listening? And how do we apply this to the time of Christ onward?
Christ was a master teacher. We can learn from not just his words, but his mannerisms in dealing with people, how he responded, and his silence. This skill is one that is hard to master, but is among the commandments given to man. We consider listening loudly in this episode. Thx for listening!
Between hearing something that upsets us and actually getting upset and/or reacting, there is a gapt. And what takes place during this gap has a tremendous impact on our emotions and actions. What happens during that gap - we make up stories. This foundation is mercy but the focal point is how far we can go when we know so little. Ten of the twelve tribes of Israel give us our example.
Life is short, James refers to it as steam that is here and gone. Time can be a good teacher, and with time and learning we can come to a greater sense of what is important. So, what is our reason for being?
Hundreds of do this and not do that? Does the popular vote turn wrong to right or right to wrong? How does our place among family, friends, and society play into our decisions? God's could have made man knowing from the womb - rather his method to guide man includes giving man the ability to disregard, aka free will.
What it takes to get the title of Evil has evolved over the years. Evil is mostly seen in relationships either among one another or groups of people/organizations. How we treat others is often the focal point. And at the center of the decisions is me, myself, and I.
How bad does one have to be to reach that "evil" stage? We remind ourselves of how lines are drawn, and how they should be drawn. And how these lines should bring together rather and cause divisions.
Creation complete and the report was, "This is good!" And it was for a time - until man opted to try that which was forbidden. Does he see Good and Evil / draw the lines in the same place as man? And exactly what was/is the plan for man as we continue to be tempted by the forbidden?
Relationships are vital to our existence. On occasion, our lives can be shaken, like 9/11/2001 when priorities are shifted. So, when we look at God and see him looking back at us - what do we see?
When considering all that man has asked to do, that list can get lengthy. Yet there are some terms that help get our minds in a place that memorizing a list is less crucial. We consider the term Holy and how it applies to man in light of our Holy God.
The Golden calf is possibly the most known idol. But an Idol does not have to be a physical representation. What gets your most attention, devotion, time, concern, care - those are the things that give reason for living. While the calf might not be in our household, other forms of idols certainly are present and present modern-day challenges.
A crime is more serious when one has spent time and thought planning it out. So, is sin just sin, or can one find himself in a deeper hole after forethought and consideration?
This is the time of year that "Pomp and Circumstance" makes the playlist as seniors grasp for that hard-fought diploma. If you attend a graduation ceremony - why? We consider the reasoning while looking at where honor fits among God's creation.....
Titus records that we should live soberly, righteously and Godly. In this light, what does Godly bring that the other two do not already illustrate? This is an interesting term that can be difficult to grasp, but its true meaning is foundational in our life as a child of our Heavenly Father.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
We consider the second word in the series of three in telling us how we should live - righteously.
How many words would it take to give a good summary of what God expects of his children? There are three - just three that are used that give a good overview and summary - the first is sober. We consider....
The 23rd Psalm is known possibly more than most - yet the strength we can gain from understanding the depth of the concept of the Lord as our Shepherd.
We can have attributes that include the key attributes that represent the Divine. We recently talked of Grace. Two others that we consider this week is love and foregiveness.
While some things of God are hidden, there are traits of his nature, character that are revealed. This "Divine Nature" is something that has been promised to us. What significance is this and what are some of these traits that our God has that we too could - and should - have?
Cain's sin changed the plan of God to use Seth. While Cain's family had success in some ways, they continued on the path of going against God.
The book of Acts not only tells us what we must do to be saved but also what we must continue to do as members of the Body of Christ.
We continue our thought in Marks of Distinction. Building on the recent study of God, the creator and master of all, the Holy Bible, the coming of the Messiah and then those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to what they had committed. What of the word? We consider the purpose of the word, the plan of the word and where the challenges can lie.
Living our lives differently than we did prior to our conversion, in control, with focus, knowledge and patience.....
Marks of Distinction. Christ commissioned the apostles to go into all the world and spread the good news, converting all men that would receive that word. They did, and most paid a high cost in doing so. What would it take to convince (convict) one to go to the death many suffered - especially if it were not true? We consider the great cloud of witnesses that stand before us....
This is a continued study into the Psalms - this lesson focuses on the 37th Psalm - not getting caught up in the world and losing focus on what is most important.....
What separates us?
Belief in God, Belief in the Word, Belief in the Son.
We continue into the why that lies at the foundation of why we should believe.
Man has free will, yet we know that God Gifts man a spirit as part of his obedience. What does that do for man that he cannot do without that Spirit?
When considering the free will of man, how do we retain that when God is at work in our lives?
We can easily be distracted and lose sight of the thing most valuable. We look at Scripture from Luke 12 as Christ is interrupted to settle an issue in a family.
Christ used two illustrations to impress upon us the importance of our influence - light and salt. We consider the basic qualities of these two in application to our lives and those around us.
The Old Law gave provision to escape punishment to be protected in specific instances. We consider the application in this lesson.
What is a man profit if he gains the world and lose his soul? We have an example from the Old Testament that sold out to do evil - more than any kings before him. And his wife was short of a saint as well adding to his influence. We look at the traits of Ahab and how close we can find ourselves in losing our souls while gaining the world.
We can be accused of not believing in the saving power of the Blood of Christ as we hold to the fact that water plays a part in connecting us with that blood. We consider that connection in this message.
We continue a thought that started last week on creating choices. Since the onset of time, man has struggled with being told what to do and not to do. And at times, we look for support in our newly found opinions. Our NT references having tickling ears that are eager to be scratched. We consider this warning as it applies today though written long ago.
A closer look at a Psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation. Even when the wicked came against him, there was no fear.
Living in the Land of the Free, we have more freedoms of choice than we sometimes recognize. We even can create choice when there technically are none. How does this happen? And should be be on alert when it does? This week, we look at scratching the itch. Thx for joining us!
The power of influence can be easily overlooked. Yet we are seemingly under constant persuasion of one kind or another. We consider the power of influence by looking at a couple of examples of where things went badly, quickly.
Settling for comfort. When it comes to service, do seek His Kingdom first or our wants and needs.
We have our differences that make us each unique. Yet, there are more things that we have in common, making us not so special. Yet, we see that there is a separation among God's creation depending on our acceptance of our Creator's Will.
Nicodemus was confused on a second birth. What is the second birth? What can we learn from the answers given to resolve his confusion?
Our "text-book" continues to be under fire from those challenged by its contents? So, what about it? Has the Bible been found to not be reliable? Inaccurate? A lot of information exists, so what impact does it have on ones faith in the Bible?
A study of a king that has success in many ways. Where did this success lead him and the people. And then he died.
Wealth? Health? Peace? If given two wishes, what would you choose. We look at a self-proclaimed not-so-wise character of the OT who asked for two specific things from God.
Is the Church a model business? Comparison is made to what we see in the world in "success" along with what makes the Church a success.
God's relationship with man has centered around covenants. With the coming of Christ that covenant changed. What is man's part of that covenant and where do we stand in relation to that covenant?
Isaiah 53 details the coming of Christ, the servant. The process and suffering as well as the purpose of such is revealed.
The body is referred to as a vessel, a container. What does God want of us in use of this body?
Life and death / Dark and Light / Paradise and Torment.
The contrasts have always been put before man, giving a glimpse into eternity.
How should we be recognized? What is identity and how do we determine what traits we have and show and what we can choose to not take on?
Taking something in "good faith" is a term now seldom used. We continue our study on the concept of faith considering what one has listed as areas of "bad faith."
The psalmist wrote of the future plans of the Son of God. The issues that were encountered were known prior, yet Christ stayed the course till and through the end.
Is faith something that we can have without it being expressed? Does God bless us at the moment of mental acceptance? What about Confession, Repentance and even Baptism?
Faith is the foundation on which we stand. Most any accept this truth regardless of how they worship or even who they worship. We do we agree on what faith actually is?
Some teach that Christ will return to this literal earth some day and set up a literal Kingom. Why? The first visit to the earth was cut short by his crucification and the Kingdom was not established. Get your Bible and let's take a peak at fore-thought or after-thought.
"Mystery" is used a number of times in the New Testament - what is it? Has it been uncovered/answered? What is the significance of this mystery even today?
When considering how God works with man today, there are varying opinions on what God does and does not do. Does God work today as he did in the first century or have things changed?
The Holy Spirit - a part of the God-Head is something that is hard to grasp, yet it is something we can't ignore. Let's take a moment to consider God's working with man via the Spirit.
Starting with the events of the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, we follow God's working with man to establish what Christ brought to earth as a new covenant, a new will. This brought signs, and wonders as was promised. What was the purpose of these signs? And are they still needed?
We start a study into the working of Man doing the works of God while God also was working with man to accomplish His will. From the onset of time, a pattern develops that continues even today. We start our study with the patriarchs and make it to Acts 2 in this study. And continue there next lesson....
Can we find ourselves in a place where God is not favorable? We start looking into the free-will of Man. While also looking at how God has been involved in the dealings of Man - but in a fashion that removes the will of man? This week, God's working with Pharoah (hardening his heart), Saul (sending an evil spirit) to get one side of how God can be a part of man's decisions without taking control of our decisions.
Fear has two primary definitions, yet both can work favorably in our relationship with God? We consider fear of harm and love for God in bringing us closer to Him.
We live in the world but are not to be of the world. How can we be partakers of the divine nature while being surrounded by sin and strife?
Is there a God? Did Jesus actually Exist? Is the Bible a farce? These general questions are important to understand and answer. We consider why we take the narrow road this week.....
There are divisions in Christianity. It has not always been this way. We continue to see controversy and division, yet it is interesting to see the problem's identified cause. We take a piece from the headlines and give it some thought....
In order to accomplish its work, the Church needs leadership. What does this look like? And how is it organized? And, is it possible to accomplish all that has been assigned without aid of other institutions or organizations?
One of the works of the Church is helping the needy? Is this all needy or is there a specific audience? What are the guides and some examples to help focus the effort?
What does the Bible say about teaching things that are incorrect, wrong, false, a lie? How can we recognize that we are being led down the wrong path?
A charcter of small stature gives reason for some interesting study - Zacchaeus is our topic.
The concept of wroship typically is associated with religion and a god of some kind. We start a student on the worship component as part of the purpose of the institute of the church. What does it mean? We answer as we build a foundation on Worship to our God.
As a child of God and a servant of God there are exectations. What does it mean to be worthy - and what are some examples. We look more closely at 2 Thess 1:11-12.
Preaching is one of the many things that has evolved, yet we have some pretty clear instructions on the role of the preacher and the primary purposes. Let's consider preaching.....
Grace is foundational to our relationship with God. Yet there are many views of Grace - let's consider as we open the Bible.
One of the roles of the church is to have someone in a role of a preacher or minister. What exactly is that role? Where do their sermons come from? Are their guides that are given? Let's consider how preachers fit into the overall mission of the institute of the church.
A look at a well-known passage and how it applies to the relationship God has with his people.
One of the missions of the church is for its members to be missionaries - as in someone on a mission. While there is a place to teachers and preachers members have a tremendous influence on others - possibly the reason we all are called to be ministers....
A reminder of not just the value, but the importance to Christians to carefully consider this memorial Christ established for his followers.
Samaria served Jehovah but others gods as well. How did that go? We consider lessons from old in looking at the example, albeit a bad example, of Samaria.
Along with the mission of the government and the home, the Church has been given very specifics goals to accomplish. We continue our study on institutes as we start our focus on the institute of the assembly of God's people - The Church.
We take another step into the results of the Grace of God. What happens when man accepts that grace? How do we know we are where we should be in His eyes?
What is the sequence of Grace, Faith and Works? While it might seem as non-important but getting this in the right sequence can have a drastic change in results.
Poor decisions used to come with consequences. So, what happened? First, we see the lines drawn for right and wrong have moved and then consequences for the wrong also moved. Let's remind ourselves that God has established right and wrong, along with consequences for each.
God established institutions to serve specific needs. What is the purpose or what are the needs that the family meet? There are some very specific points that God's word brings out, considering this vital component of society. Let's consider - God's use of the home.
Institutes are in place to carry out particular tasks in most instances. While the Bible does not have a great deal to say about Government, there are a lot of lessons through time-related to such. But there are some specific words related to the task the Government is to achieve. And it might surprise you what it is. Let's consider.....
God's thoughts are greater than man's thoughts, just as the heavens are higher than the earth. So, just how far "off" can man's thinking be? We consider more lessons from the Old Law during the time of Samuel as the people of God lost sight of truth and how far they deceived themselves is a lesson worth remembering
Can we be bught. It seems that through the years man has managed to sell-out at some level. Achan brought about trouble for all of Israel for what seems to be a not-so-bad decision. It cost him, his family, his posessions and even more - a costly mistake.
We really don't like it when things don't go the way we want - almost childlike as we have discussed. We have great examples of faith where belivers followed God to the greatest degree - but then some others that had some other ideas. Peter went back to fishing - or so it seems even if briefly, but then something interesting happened.... let's consider our plans vs God's.
So what happens when we decide God could use a second opinion, a different perspective or a helping hand? Abram and Sarai seemed to give this some consideration when things didn't go as planned.
There are some things about how a child can think and act that we miss at times. Maturity can be painful for some - some more than others. We are warned about some of these childish ways in our dealings with one another and how we approach our Maker. We consider the challenge of being an adult while retaining child-like qualities.
Christ called attention to a child when referencing what the kingdom is like? This lesson was to adults. Let's consider a few characteristics of a child to apply what Christ was referencing. Some true characteristics might not be so obvious, but some great lessons can be learned by just considering the ways of a child.
Christ's mission to earth came "in the fullness of time" as part of God's plan to bring freedom to all nations. Up until the time of Christ's coming, the seed of Abraham was God's people, yet the Message of Christ was for to bring to pass that promise that all nations be blessed. While we are not born into the family of God as His only begotten Son is, we are brought into that family as joint heirs with Christ - through adoption. Let's consider.....
A more convenient time. Almost your persuaded me. These are two replies to Paul from two different people in related situations. Finding the right place and time have risen in importance. Some want to hang on to God with one hand and life in the other in an effort to appease both. How is that working out?
There is a constant pursuit to be pleasing to some entity. Knowing the subject of that focus is crucial. Self continues to rise in the popularity ratings. We consider the danger in letting selfies take control.
We revisit Genesis 6 and the chaos that was in the world that led to the destruction of all but 8 souls. Though the story is likely known well by many, the details often can lose focus - we revisit for a reminder.
The issue with those in the lesson of the Tower of Babbel often focuses on the issue of the tower. But the bigger issue was the purpose. One purpose was to build it to heaven, but the second purpose was the bigger issue.
While a small fraction of mankind made themselves to be a god over time, even more play the role. How so? By injecting what they think should be done in place of what God has stated. The definition of an idol is actually very fitting in showing reverence to something other than God.
Cain and Abel are among the first lessons learned. When one's offerings pleased God and he found favor, the brother was very unhappy. So distraught that his decline took him to the point of taking his brother's life. They both heard, but their application went different ways.
The foundation on which we build is not seen, yet the results of the strength of this crucial element is always at play. We consider a basic, yet important teaching of Christ as he neared the end of the Sermon on the Mount - the wise man and foolish man with foundations of rock and sand.
That phrase is certainly aligned with an insurance commercial with a famous lizard. But the reality is just a few moments could have a big impact. There is a determining factor - not just hearing something but listening. Let's consider the parable of the Sower...
The Bible can be considered mostly rules and regulations, but actually, it is more about relationships than rules. One example we read of is one of the writes of Psalms. This author gave an incredible account of the challenges he faced. And these challenges never really made it to the surface yet had a profound impact. And the turning point is most interesting in how he managed to come back from a dark place. Welcome, Asaph....
Good parents? Good education? Strong grandparents? Leaders in church that actually lead? These among others often make the list of strong influences in our life. And rightfully so, yet there is an example of one that had none of those yet still had an incredible journey with his relationship with God. Let's talk about king Josiah.....
James encourage us to count it all joy when we are tested? Why is that? The hardest, darkest point in our life - is good? Let's consider.
Living in the land of the free, we hear the term "rights" thrown around frequently these days. When it comes to religion, does anything goes? As long as a bible is seen, and "Jesus" is named - check the box as accepted? Let's consider what some of the first "preachers" had to say...
We can learn a lot from history. God's chosen generation was challenged with following God. Yet they also seemed to refuse to completely turn their back on him. Let's take some reading from Jeremiah and see just how close it applies to our world today.
We want to believe in the all-sufficiency of the Bible. Yet we can struggle with some of the teachings... So what about believing God while holding to some of the world?
God's foolishness is greater than man's wisdom. We continue the look into "The fool has said in his heart there is no God." We contrast God's perspective with that of man.
Out with the old and in with the new. Where did it all come from? Is there religious significance? Is there religious IN-significance. The history is interesting - let's take a look....
The fool had said in his heart there is no God. The fool is not just one that does not believe in God, but does not believe God. The fool is one that refuses to listen, makes up their own path and sets their own boundaries. A fool can believe God, just not serve him while maintaining they are serving him. Let's consider how we can believe in God and still be foolish.
Saul was a zealous believer in God - even when he didn't believe in His Son? The process of his conversion is interesting - yet not totally unique in the end. Let's look at this man that went about doing what he thought was good - only to become the strongest supporter of the one he vehemently opposed.
The world we live in wants us to believe that we would be better off without believers. Let's consider the cost of being a Christian and the return of that investment.
God gave Israel ten commandments on stone. The answer the question, "What must I do to be saved" ends up with a list of that differs depending on whom one might ask. A simple illustration can help us better understand.
Many religious organizations have baptism as some part of it’s plans or processes. As we have discussed in the past, not everyone holds the same reasoning behind it. Some say it has nothing to do with our service to God, that is an option. So baptize babies - non believers. Some immerse, others sprinkle. Some believe it is part of being-born again – others no significance what-so-ever. Yet – interestingly enough, many have it listed somewhere are something that should be considered. Let's put together what the Bible teaches about this act - the act of Baptism.
When considering the Kingdom of Christ, some believe that is has yet to come. Adding that Christ will establish his Kingdom when he returns to the city of Jerusalem at his second coming. Let's open our Bibles and consider the Kingdom of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords......
One of the greatest challenges that man throws at the Genesis account of the creation of all is the age of the earth. Science has some interesting data to present - much of which works in favor of the creation account. Let's consider some of them.....
When Christ does return, what are the events that will take place? The last book in our New Testament, the Revelation is the foundation of this idea of the righteous being removed from the earth while the unrighteous remain for 7 years of tribulation. Let's take a look at this writing to see if we can uncover what is being "revealed."
Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, pestilence, etc? Are these events signs of the second coming of Christ? Let's take a read through Matthew 24 where these events are discussed as an answer to a question asked of the Apostles. What was that question?
Man is made in the image of God. While this does not refer to the physical, there are attributes of God that we can consider. Christ shares four important, yet somewhat challenging illustrations to help us make application. Let's look at the principals of turnning the other cheek, giving your coat and your shirt, going the extra mile, and helping the needy.
The nation of Israel has a long history including one of a "religious" nature. As God's Chosen People of the Old Testament period, does that relationship hold in today's times? And is there a significants of this nation in the future and perhaps even more-so the second coming of Christ?
Grace and Mercy are significant in our relationship with our Maker. While they are common topics, perhaps we can have an even greater understanding. We look into an example where Christ extends mercy to one "caught in the very act" of sinning.
Our Bibles are split with an Old and New. What is the relationship and how do we use each? Is the Old still binding? In Part? In Whole? Let's consider....
Christ stated that he didn't come to destroy the old law but to fulfill. Frequently, he was accused of not following the old law, yet not only did he follow it, he took then weaknesses of the old law and made a complete, perfect law. We consider this concept of filling the void that existed in the old by the actions and teachings from Christ.
The concept is known as "Once Saved Always Saved." It is shared by a number of predominate denominations. Let's take a look at a little history of this concept and then dive into God's word to better understand what is taught there.
Is salvation a free gift?
Am I saved By Grace?
Is there anything required of man to access that grace?
One can think that one is either saved by works or faith, but that these two are opposite extremes, competing against one another. Could it be that they are working to the same end? Let's consider the balance that has been put between the grace of God and the duties of man.
Emotions play a vital part in every aspect of our life. But where do they go in our worship of God? Can they be trusted? Let's consider some examples and make application to be certain our decisions are based on the most reliable resources.
Living in the "United" States of America, we struggle with division, it seems everywhere we turn. And certainly, this is the case when we consider Christianity. Yet, Christ plead for unity. The Apostles, on the great commission, accomplished it. Yet we have some that celebrate the many faiths that exists. Let's remind ourselves why unity is important and some of the basic concepts that Christ left his followers.
Sin is transgression, trespass, missing the mark - we commit something that goes against our God or we omit something that he has asked of us. Sin puts a wall, and separates us from our God. Yet God, in his infinite grace in love for man, gave a plan whereby that relationship can be restored. What is forgiveness and what simple steps are necessary for us to find it?
Today we consider the authority that comes from silence. Certainly commands of God stand, but what about all the things he didn't say. While this might appear to be open to do anything, we don't dare live in a world that plays by these rules. Why would God?
There is a broad way and a narrow way, an easy path and a harder path. Both are eternal choices with one leading to life and the other to death. Let's consider this teaching of Christ on how many will be saved....
The thief on the cross was promised paradise. Was that heaven? Is this the pattern for our steps to be ushered thru those pearly gates as well. Let's consider some assumptions and some non-assumptions about that event just before Christ entered through the gates of hell (death).
Grandparents can seem to be more mellow than parents allowing more things to slip when watching their grandkids. Does God have this same mindset when it comes to what he has asked? Achan is our character of focus during our consideration...
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith comes by the Word of God. What happens to faith when knowledge increases? Let's consider....
I loved open-book tests in school. Even more so I loved when the teacher made the comment "this will be on the test." I felt that I had an advantage and passing was not as challenging as the unknown. We have the book - that will be opened - and the test will be given on judgment day. Are we prepared for it?
We might recognize idols from Hollywood or historic documentaries, but surely there is no idol worship in the modern world - or is it? Idols take the place of God, and there are several things that can take priority in our lives. Let's consider.....
The Apostles were given charge to go preach the Gospel, the Holy Spirit would be their guide, bringing all things into remembrance and given the power to show signs to the non-believers. The laws they taught, as led by the Godhead would binding to God's people, and the laws they released would no longer be applicable. Are we binding what has been loosened?
Does adhering to what God has asked us to make us a legalist? Does drawing hard lines between right and wrong cross a similar line and make trying to do right in essence wrong? Are we no better than the self-righteous Pharisees? Let's consider......
Just the term "Bible" uttered in a mixed audience can bring about immediate opposition. A recent graduation speech stirred members of a community in Ohio. Let's consider this along with what Paul asked the Galatians about being offended from "Biblical Principles."
One would think that Christians are part of the solution - not the problem. Yet when we consider the outcomes of some of the prominent teachings in Christianity things look differently.
We are saved by Faith. We are saved by Works? Is that possible? How do these (along with God's Grace) work together?
Let's consider.....
How could someone that has been convicted take a turn to walk the other way?
Let's consider some of the challenges that Christians can face and their impact
Belief is the foundation of our relationship with God? Yet transgressing His commands puts a divide between us. Let's consider the impact that the world can have on our Heavenly relationship
Let's consider a word that has been camouflaged in our world today. What does repentance entail and what dangers exist when we ignore one of God's direct commands?
We take a different approach to the same question we posed last week. Adam and Eve believed in God but what happened when they stopped believing God? We have an example of another individual that battled to believe what was asked - Naaman. He was an honorable man, highly esteemed yet he had leprosy. He was presented the opportunity to be cleansed yet the cure did not fit his expectations.
You believe in God - but do you believe God?
The Psalmist recorded that the fool has said in his heart there is no God. What does this entail? We give consideration during this week's visit.
This is the complete lesson that was presented here a while back in three different lessons. This podcast is a recording of this topic that I presented at a Gospel Meeting at the Ben Church of Christ recently. We hope you find a place for this among your studies and consideration. It was a great study for me and I believe you will find it beneficial as well. Thank you again for your interest!
This topic was covered on this podcast in a shorter version. This is a recording of a lesson on the pattern of cleanliness from the Gospel Meeting held at the Ben Church of Christ. This was a most interesting study for me that I greatly benefitted from. We do hope this finds a good place among your studies and conversations.
The amount of details, data, and sheer facts in the existence of God is not overwhelming and to the point, we have no choice but to believe, however, might that not be part of God's plan after all? Let's look at some of what exists and consider the evidence that is enough to believe and establish our faith in the unanswered.
Having looked at the God-given pattern for worship using music in the Old Testament in part one, we continued last lesson into the New Testament focussing on the changes and differences that the new covenant brought. Today, we look at a historical perspective and how early historians and related viewed these changes.
We continue our study on the pattern God gave for music. Our previous study looked at the pattern given in the Old Testament. We follow that into the New Testament in this lesson.
There is a pattern of cleansing leading from the Old Testament into the New Testament. Let's take a look at the shadow of the old and apply to what it points towards in the new.
Music is one of the components of Worship? Do we have a pattern which God gave to follow? This is the first part of a three-part series. We look into the Old Testament to see how God was worshipped with music.
Starting March 6, the Church of Christ at Ben will host a Gospel meeting. This podcast talks about the plans for that special week with Jerry and Jackie Prince.
Judge not that you be not judged - perhaps one of the most quoted verses in the bible. It also is one of the most misapplied verses.
Just a book of fables written by delusional men? Let's look at some facts of the Book that give even more reason to accept it as not just another book of man.
Happiness is something we desire, we crave, we need and for some reason seem to be most disappointed when we get to a place we thought would bring us happiness but it does not. Let’s consider…. How can we get happiness… stay with us as I think you might be surprised at the answer.
In 1 Peter we read of three categories….
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear
Let’s look at these groups of people to be sure we comprehend what is being said and who is the group referenced as "Sinners"?
The pew research center posted at the end of 2017 that around 28% of those polled said that they talk to God and God talks to them… about 47 percent say they talk to God and he does NOT talk to them… 15 says there is communication going in neither direction. So it is safe to say, there is a decent number that believes they are being talked to in some fashion by God.
The question I would like to pose is the following – how do you know?
Was it a miracle that David won?
If familiar with the lesson of David and Goliath – and most would consider David the underdog. Those that lean towards Goliath being the underdog typically do so because David had God on his side and who could win with God on your side?
We certainly don’t want to take away what it means to have God on your side – but there are some interesting points in this story we can easily overlook.
Genesis – established testing of faith
Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Eze_18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die.
What is the process? Is there a pattern we can see and possibly stop before it is too late? Yes there is.
I bet you know or have heard someone declare that they are spiritual but not religious. I recently heard this statement from a work colleague as another staff member mentioned something about going to church. He made the comment that he was a very spiritual person but not religious. He added that he just didn’t believe in all of the rules, regulations and what have you that go along with religion. What about that? Can you be spiritual without being religious?
Would you believe a lie? Would you support a lie? Would you repeat a lie?
We are talking about something this morning that is known perhaps as much as anything else? I venture to say that this topic can be of a sensitive nature, and what we are talking about this morning could offend some of our listeners. I assume you are listening because you are interested in learning, growing and having a better understanding. While we understand that reaching an agreement on some topics can be challenging, yet what we want to talk about this morning should not be confusing, it is not complicated, it is very simple yet we can still easily look past the evidence and carry on with our beliefs as though the truth did not exist. As we get into our study, we ask that you please stay with us and hear out what we are talking about. As the next statement could cause you to turn away thinking you know where we are going and what we are going to say… here we go.
Is Jesus the reason for the season? Much of the world even regardless of religious conviction celebrates this season as the time of year that Christ was born. We are looking primarily at two questions this morning. – is this the time that Christ was born and a separate but related question should we be celebrating?
The old testament has a few, has many, has many- many prophecies related to Jesus Christ. We look at the odds of the fulfillment of these prophecies.
We have folks among us that have designed a god that is nothing but love. That a loving God would not judge man in wrong doing. That a loving God would not condemn man to a life of torment because of his actions. Let’s consider these concepts briefly this morning.
How do we know God? How do we learn of his character, his judgment, his love and his anger. Last week we talked about the goodness and severity and I want to continue on this thought this week.
What goes through your mind when you see a speed-limit sign with the following right below it.. speed limit strictly enforced? I travel the interstate systems in our state frequently – folks pay no mind to the speed limit. Seeing drivers going 10-15 MPH over the limit is common. Does the law not apply to them?
When one is going beyond the limit there is a question that they must consider – will I get pulled over and get a ticket? There is another question we want to consider – can they?
Who are we? What are we? What is our platform? What is our stance on certain issues? What does worship look like?
Eph 2:8-10 for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it isthe gift of god: (9) not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) for we are his workmanship, created in christ jesus unto good works, which god hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
We look at examples in the Old Testament to help grasp the meaning of faith.
Lev 19:1-4 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, (2) Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. (3) Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. (4) Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.
Heb 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. How does this slipping occur?