In the first message of our series on the Parables of Jesus, I gave the following definition of a parable; Parables as Jesus used them are fictional illustrations taken from real life situations, which teach a spiritual lesson. Now by that definition, I do not think that the story we have in front of us today strictly qualifies as a parable.  And the reason I say that is because I don’t believe that it is fictional.  I think it’s an actual story about two real people.  I think that is evident because this is the only so called parable in

Read More…

Today we are beginning a series on the parables of Jesus.  This is a deviation of sorts from the way in which I normally  preach.  I have never actually done a series before in 15 years of preaching.  I always rely on what is called expositional preaching, which takes a book of the Bible and then goes through it verse by verse, and chapter by chapter. But even though I will be doing a series, I will still be using an expositional style.  I’m not going to start doing topical messages where you bounce all around in the Bible trying

Read More…

Last week I remarked about how Paul in his imprisonment is believed to have had a guard chained to him at all times. And I made note of the fact that the scripture says that as a result of being in close proximity to Paul for many hours every day, every day of the week, for two years, many of the Praetorian guard became believers in Christ. And I posed the question to you, that those who are in close proximity to you in work or in some endeavor that you are a part of, would they end up becoming

Read More…

Our speech is indicative of what we believe. Jesus said in Matt. 15:18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.” Your heart is revealed by your speech. There used to be a saying that I heard when I was growing up, which was the way to a man’s heart is through his mouth. I guess that was an inducement to young ladies that if they wanted to land a husband, they needed to be able to cook a good meal. I think that sort of thinking is out of

Read More…

In chapters one and two, Paul has expressed a litany of doctrinal principles that we have in Christ. He has shared his concerns about false doctrines that were permeating the church. But now in chapter three we see a change in his approach. His concern now is not so much doctrinal as it is practical. Not that doctrine isn’t practical. It is very much so. But it’s the application of doctrine which is what we mean by practical. Now as we look at this first verse, we notice that it begins with the word “if.” In this case that word

Read More…

Last week in the previous passage we looked at what Paul describes as the fullness of our salvation.  We said that in Christ we have all the benefits of our salvation complete.  There is no need to seek some sort of higher knowledge, or add some philosophy or experience in order to have all that need.  We are made completely saved in Christ. This week, we’re looking at the remainder of this chapter in which Paul continues with that line of thought, but he now is going to counter specific false doctrines which were being circulated in the church of

Read More…