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Exegesis (/ˌɛksəˈdʒiːsɪs/; from the Greek ἐξήγησις from ἐξηγεῖσθαι, "to lead out") is an explanation of a text, particularly a religious text. Traditionally the term was used primarily for work with the Bible; however, in modern usage "biblical exegesis" is used for greater specificity to distinguish it from any other broader critical text explanation. Exegesis is the expository investigation into the history and origins of the text, but may include the study of the historical and cultural backgrounds for the author, the text, and the original audience.
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Sermons from Previous Years
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2019 Kelly Lawson William Ralston |
2018 Kelly Lawson |
2017 Kelly Lawson |
2016 Kelly Lawson |
2015 Kelly Lawson |
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2014 Kelly Lawson |
2013 Kelly Lawson |
2012 Kelly Lawson |
2011 Kelly Lawson |
2010 Kelly Lawson |
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2006-2009 Kelly Lawson |
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2017 Sunday Gospel Sermons
by Kelly Lawson
Return to 2020-2021 Sermons
The Seed Lesson Condensed
In 274 AD during a time of persecution of the Church, in order to expose Christians, Aurelian Caesar proclaimed December 25th, the time of the winter solstice, as the birthday of the sun god Sol Invictus. To avoid persecution Christians simply decided to take the day off too and call it the Birth of Jesus. Therefore, Christmas - Christ-mas is a Catholic holiday. The Seed Galatians 3:16, Genesis 1:1-3, Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:1-4, Genesis 15:1-6, II Samuel 7:12-14, Psalm 22, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 53:1-12 cf: I Corinthians 15:1-3
Sunday Morning Bible Class - The Successful ChurchInvitation: Prayers Requested December 31, 2017 Bulletin
The Birth of Jesus Christ The Son of God
Luke's epistle to Theophilus, Luke 1:1-4. The conception and birth of John Baptist foretold by the angel Gabriel, Six months after the angel Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary, and predicts the miraculous conception and birth of Christ, Like 1:26-38. The decree of Augustus to enroll all the Roman empire, Luke 2:1, Luke 2:2. Joseph and Mary go to their own city to be enrolled, Luke 2:3-5. Christ is born, Luke 2:6,Luke 2:7. His birth is announced to the shepherds, Luke 2:8-14. They go to Bethlehem, and find Joseph, Mary, and Christ, Luke 2:15-20. Christ is conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary, espoused to Joseph, Matthew 1:20; by whom the child is named Jesus, Matthew 1:22, Matthew 1:23. Joseph takes home his wife, Mary, and Christ is born, Matthew 1:24, Matthew 1:25
Sunday Morning Bible Class - What Is a Disciple?Invitation: Prayers Requested December 24, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 20: Paul's Farewell to the Ephesians
Acts 20:8-12, cf: John 11:14, 17-26, Hebrews 2:9, I Corinthians 15:22, & Romans 6:3-7. What if you haven't died to sin, cf: II Corinthians 5:14-15. You must LIVE NOW the RESURRECTED LIFE. Paul's trip to Jerusalem, Acts 20:13-16. Ephesian Elders Exhorted. Paul called for a meeting with the Ephesian elders, bidding them farewell Acts 20:17-35, I Peter 5:1-2, Matthew 20:25-28, Romans 5:8-9, I Peter 2:24, Hebrews 13:17, Philippians 1:6; and a special account of the tearful farewell is given Acts 20:36-38, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 1:17-18, Revelation 2:1-7, Revelation 4:10-11, Revelation 2:5
Sunday Morning Bible Class - "Woe to the Pharisees and Lawyers"Invitation: Prayers Requested December 17, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 20: Worship and Lord's Supper at Troas
The first six verses give a summary of many months of Paul's travels; a special account of Paul and company taking Lord's supper at Troas is given, Acts 20:7, cf: I Corinthians 16:2, Matthew 26:26-30, Act 2:42, I Corinthians 11:23-32; Paul raises dead, Jesus still has power of resurrection, Acts 20:8-12, cf: Jn 11:14, 17-26, Hebrews 2:9, I Corinthians 15:22, & Romans 6:3-7. What if you haven't died to sin, cf: II Corinthians 5:14-15. You must LIVE NOW the RESURRECTED LIFE. Paul's trip Jerusalem, Acts 20:13-16.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Heavenly SunlightInvitation: 1 Baptism, Prayers Requested December 10, 2017 Bulletin
Luke 11:29-32 - The Sign of Jonah
Our text this morning is a warning as well as a call for Thanksgiving and reflection for the great privilege and honor it is to possess the revelation of God's word. This privilege of possessing the truth of God's word cannot be expressed in words, it is priceless. Speaking to the advantage of the Jews the apostle Paul in Romans 3:2 tells us that "...the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God." However with this highest of privileges comes great responsibility as our Lord will illustrate in two stories which he takes from the Old Testament. The first example being the Queen of the South who was willing to travel great distances simply to hear the wisdom of King Solomon. The second example Jesus mentions is the men of Nineveh who gladly repented at the preaching of the prophet Jonah. Jesus uses both of these stories to humble and shame the Jews who have relatively received far greater light yet were unfaithful with the truth to which they had been entrusted. Let us consider the great riches and blessings with which we have been entrusted. Let us be careful not to despise the Word of God but rather let us delight in it ,believe it, and obey it.
Acts 19: The Ephesians - Gospel Conquers Occult
Paul, coming to Ephesus, finds certain disciples of John the Baptist who had not received the gift of the Holy Ghost, knowing only the baptism of John, but receive it through their re-baptism into Christ and imposition of Paul's hands, Acts 19:1-7. He preaches for three months in the synagogues, Acts 19:8. Many being hardened, he leaves the synagogues, and teaches daily in the school of Tyrannus for two years, Acts 19:9 - 10. He works many miracles, Acts 19:11, Acts 19:12. Account of the vagabond exorcist Jews, and the seven sons of Sceva, Acts 19:13-17. Many are converted, and burn their magical books, Acts 19:18-20. Paul purposes to pass through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, and afterwards to Rome; but, having sent Timotheus and Erastus to Macedonia, continues a little longer in Asia, Acts 19:21 - 22. Demetrius, a silversmith of Ephesus, raises an uproar against Paul, which, after some tumultuous proceedings, is appeased by the town clerk, vv. 23-41.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Introduction to RomansInvitation: Prayers Requested November 26, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 18: Paul Preaches in Corinth and Ephesus, Begins 3rd Missionary Journey
The conclusion of the second Missionary Journey is recorded in this chapter (Acts 18:23a) and the beginning of the third (Acts 18:23b). Paul left Athens for Corinth where he met Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:1-4); great success attended his efforts during eighteen months work at Corinth many believe and are baptized Acts 18:5-11); Jewish opposition came to a climax soon after Gallio became proconsul, but it was frustrated (Acts 18:12-17); Paul concluded the second journey via Cenchraea and Ephesus to Antioch in Syria (Acts 18:18-23a); and after some time there, he started the third journey (Acts 18:23b). Luke next included some background material on the work at Ephesus, where Paul's next great labors would occur, relating the preaching of Apollos, and the further instruction given him by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:24-28).
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 11: The Sign of JonahInvitation: 1 Baptism, Prayers Requested November 19, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 17: The Gospel Preached in Greece, Paul Preaches on Mars Hill
Paul and his company, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, come to Thessalonica, were they preach the Gospel to the Jews, several of whom believe, Acts 17:1-4. Others raise a mob and bring Jason, who had received the apostles, before the magistrates who, having taken bail of him and his companions, dismiss them, Acts 17:5-9. Paul and Silas are sent away by night unto Berea, where they preach to the Jews who gladly receive the Gospel, Acts 17:10-12. Certain Jews from Thessalonica, hearing that the Bereans had received the Gospel, come there and raise up a persecution, Acts 17:13. Paul is sent away by the brethren to Athens, where he preaches to the Jews, Acts 17:14-17. He is encountered by the Epicureans and Stoics, who bring him to the Areopagus and desire him to give a full explanation of his doctrine, Acts 17:18-20. The character of the Athenians, Acts 17:21. Paul preaches to them, Paul's sermon: Acts 17:22-31. A point of common interest 22-23, God and creation 24-25, God in His relation to man 26-27, God in His own nature 28-29 & God and His moral government of men 30-31. Some mock, some hesitate, and some believe, and among the latter, Dionysias and Damaris, Acts 17:32-34.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 11: "Every Kingdom Divided Against Itself is Laid Waste"Invitation: Prayers Requested November 12, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 16: The Macedonian Call
This chapter has the continuation of the second missionary tour, relating the revisiting of Lystra and Derbe, Acts 16:1-5, the Macedonian call, Acts 16:6-10, the conversion of Lydia and others in Philippi, Acts 16:11-15, the healing of the demoniac girl, Acts 16:16-18, beating and imprisonment of Paul and Silas, Acts 16:19-24, earthquake and conversion of the jailer, Acts 16:25-33, and the concluding of their efforts in Philippi, in which Paul and Silas receive the apology of the authorities, are released, and depart from Philippi after seeing the brethren, Acts 16:35-40.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 11: Ask and it will be given to youInvitation: Prayers Requested November 5, 2017 Bulletin
Paul's Letter to the Galations
Salvation is "In Christ" Galatians 3:26-29, Justification is by "the faith of Jesus Christ" Galatians 2:16 which leads to obedience of the believer Galatians 5:19ff 4 Q MMT "Miqsat Ma'ase Ha-Torah". "Some precepts of the torah" Catholic words. A concordance of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, leaves little doubt that the Greek Trans. is "ergon nomou". "Ergon nomou" is commonly translated in English New Testament as: "Works of the law". This Pauline phrase, Galatians 2:16 & 3:2 and Romans 3:20 & 28. Looking at Galatians and Romans in light of 4 Q MMT, Paul is using the same terminology to fight "justified" by Christ and the "blood of bulls and goats". This shows Paul was not "jousting with windmills or fighting a straw man" when he took on legalists who taught "works of the law" could be: 'reckoned for righteousness'. Catholic and liberal scholars have long suggested that Paul misunderstood Jewish teaching... they say "works of the law" No where appears in books of rabbinic Judaism of the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. Only in letters of Paul & MMT are these words found. MMT provides the "smoking gun" and shows Paul fighting legalistic theology from Qumran which had entered the Church. DSS T/Brill/1994.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 11: Not "Vain Repetition"Invitation: 1 Baptism, Prayers Requested October 29, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council
False teachers circumcised, Acts 15:1. Paul & Barnabas meet apostles , Acts 15:2. inform apostles of Gentiles; Pharisees demand circumcision, Acts 15:3-5. apostles privately consider, Peter speaks to all, Acts 15:6-11. Barnabas & Paul success Gentiles, Acts 15:12. James' opinion, Acts 15:13-21. apostles & elders agree, send Judas & Silas with Paul & Barnabas to Gentiles, Acts 15:22; send letter to Church of Antioch, Syria, & Cilicia, Acts 15:23-29. Paul & company return, read epistle at Antioch, producing great joy; Judas & Silas preach, Acts 15:30-32. Judas returns to Jerusalem, Silas continues with Paul & Barnabas, teaching & preaching, Acts 15:33-35. Paul proposes to Barnabas to visit Churches where they preached; on the latter determining to take John Mark, Paul refuses, Acts 15:36-38. They disagree; & Barnabas, taking John Mark, sails to Cyprus, Acts 15:39. & Paul, taking Silas, goes through Syria & Cilicia, confirming Churches, Acts 15:40, Acts 15:41. Result of division was two Missionary works.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 11: "Lord, Teach Us to Pray"Invitation: Prayers Requested October 22, 2017 Bulletin
Evangelists, Elders and Deacons
Timothy was a native of Lycaonia. His father was a Greek, but his mother and grandmother were Jews, II Timothy 1:5. He was taught the scriptures from his very youth, II Timothy 3:15, and was probably converted during Paul's first visit to Lystra, Acts 14:8-20. He was ordained as an evangelist I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6, and, after Paul's second visit to Lystra. he spent most of his time with Paul, Acts 16:1. He did much valuable service for Paul, and was greatly esteemed by him. Acts 17:14; 18:5; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; I Corinthians 4:17; 16:10. His name is associated with Paul in writing a number of letters, II Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1. He was pastor at Ephesus and while there received these letters, I Timothy 1:3-4. Paul desired to have him with him when death came, II Timothy 4:9; 13, 21.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 10: Martha and MaryInvitation: Prayers Requested October 15, 2017 Bulletin
Evangelist Report on Our Primitive Church Government At Main Street
Kelly preached on our church government, introducing the leadership, and our plans for the future. The link "An Open Letter from Kelly" is an outline to the sermon.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 10: The Parable of the Good SamaritanInvitation: Prayers Requested October 8, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 13 & 14: Paul's First Missionary Journey Part 2
Paul and Barnabas, having preached at Iconium with great success, persecuted, obliged to flee to Lystra and Derbe, Acts 14:1-6. They preach, heal a cripple; then people, supposing them to be gods, are about to offer them sacrifices, and are with difficulty prevented by these apostles, Acts 14:7-18. Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, coming thither, induce people to stone Paul; dragged out of the city as dead, while disciples stand around him, rises up suddenly, returns to the city, next day departs to Derbe, Acts 14:19, Acts 14:20. Having preached , he and Barnabas return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, confirming disciples, ordaining elders in every Church, Acts 14:21-23. Pass through Pisidia and Pamphylia, Acts 14:24. Through Perga and Attalia, Acts 14:25; sail to Antioch in Syria, Acts 14:26. Having called disciples together, inform them of door of faith opened to Gentiles, and abode a long time with the Church, Acts 14:27, Acts 14:28.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 10:21 - "That you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children"Invitation: 2 Baptisms, Prayers Requested October 1, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 13: Paul's First Missionary Journey
Acts 13 World Conquest Under Paul Begins
This chapter records the beginning of what is usually called Paul's first missionary journey or as we refer
to this study in Acts as: World Conquest. First, there was the formal commission which sent Barnabas and Saul on their way (Acts 13:1-3); then there is the
account of their efforts on the island of Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12); next is the record of John Mark's defection after the Leadership switches from Barnabas and
Paul. The movement of Paul into Asia Minor (Acts 13:13-16); then follows the record of Paul's address in Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13:17-43) the record of still
another sermon in the same city on the sabbath day one week later (Acts 13:44-52).
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 10: "Even the Demons are Subject to Us in Your Name"Invitation: Prayers Requested September 24, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 12: The End of Secular Judaism
Peter Delivered to Prison. Death to Persecutor. Herod persecutes the Christians, Acts 12:1. Kills James, Acts 12:2. And casts Peter into prison, Acts 12:3, Acts 12:4. The Church makes incessant prayer for his deliverance, Acts 12:5. An angel of God opens the prison doors and leads him out, Acts 12:6-10. Peter rejoices, and comes to the house of Mary, where many were praying, and declares how he was delivered, Acts 12:11-17. The soldiers who kept the prison are examined by Herod, and he commands them to be put to death, Acts 12:18, Acts 12:19. Herod is enraged against the people of Tyre, but is appeased by their submission, Acts 12:20. He makes an oration to the people, receives idolatrous praises, and an angel of the Lord smites him, and he dies a miserable death, Acts 12:21-23. The word of God increases, Acts 12:24. Barnabas and Saul, having fulfilled their ministry, return from Jerusalem accompanied by John Mark.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Are We (Christians) Israelites?Invitation: Prayers Requested September 17, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 11: Cornelius Retold, Gospel Spreads to Gentiles
Disciples were called Christians first Acts 11:26
Isaiah 9:6-7 His Name. Isaiah 61:1-6 And they shall build the old wastes (places) Report to the Church. Acts 11:1-18. Acts 11:18-26 The Missionary Work of
Those Scattered Abroad Acts 11:19. The Conversion of Gentiles at Antioch, Acts 11:20-21. Barnabas Sent to Antioch by the Church, Acts 11:22-24. Saul Brought
from Tarsus, Acts 11:25-26. Isaiah 65:15 Jews to be cursed, Isaiah 62:1-2 New name from mouth of the Lord. After Gentiles converted Acts 11:1 Called by a new
name "Christians" We don't claim to be the only Christians but simply "Christians only. Acts 11:26 cf: Acts 26:28, I Peter 4:16, Romans 16:16, Hebrews 1:4,
Philippians 2:9ff, I John 3:1.Famine Predicted, Acts 11:27-28. Collections for the Relief of Jerusalem, Acts 11:29-30
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 10: "He Who Rejects Me"Invitation: 1 Baptism, Prayers Requested September 10, 2017 Bulletin
The Blackest Land, The Whitest People
Jewish Bigotry Was Worse Than KKK: Acts 10:1 - 11:18
Racial Bigotry: The white verses Black race problems since the founding of our country is nothing in comparison to the problems of the Judaizing Jews and the Gentiles in the primitive Church. This chapter is concerned with the conversion of the Gentile Cornelius, the same event also being justified by Peter and 6 witnesses to the Jerusalem Church in Acts 11. Luke's devoting so much space to the narrative of a single conversion indicates the importance of it. It was in this conversion of this Roman centurion that the issue of receiving Gentiles into Christ began to be decided. Yes, other Gentiles had been saved prior to this; but it was upon the basis of their having first been circumcised and converted as full proselytes to Judaism. The earliest Christians most of whom were Jewish were willing to welcome Gentiles into the faith as Proselytes first and Christians later. Cornelius' baptism was the beginning of the end of that, despite the fact of the "Judaizers" continuing to advocate their old view afterward, as seen through Acts 15 and in the Pauline epistles. The final results: Notice the three verbs in Acts 11:18. First: "they held their peace." The first indicates the criticism was stifled. Second: they "glorified God." The second says for that even for a believing Jew for a Gentile to be of equal value to God was astounding. Third: that God "granted repentance..." The third is of special note by its structure (aorist tense verb) Luke points out that these believing Jews were reluctant to adopt such acceptance of the Gentiles as a policy for the future... The verb indicates that they thought this was probably a onetime deal... But for this once they conceded that God worked a moral miracle... But they were not committing themselves to any permanent principle.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 10: The Harvest is Great But the Labourers Are FewInvitation: Prayers Requested September 3, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 9: Saul, The High Sheriff, Is Converted
Saul's Journey to Damascus, Acts 9:2, 26:10. The Lord Jesus Meets Him on the Way, Acts 9:3-9 & 22:9. Called to Be a Witness to the Gentiles, Acts 9:10 & 26:16-17. Baptized by Ananias, Acts 9:11-18. Paul's Account, Acts 22:3-21 & 26:10-20. Preaches Christ to the Jews in Damascus, Acts 9:19-22. They Seek His Death, Acts 9:23-24, Luke 6:22-23, II Corinthians 11:22. His Escape to Jerusalem and Meeting with the Apostles, Acts 9:25-29. Departure to Tarsus, Acts 9:30-31. Peter Heals Aeneas at Lydda, Acts 9:32-35 & 22:13-16. Raises Dorcas at Joppa, Acts 9:36-40, I Kings 17:19-23 &17:2, II Kings 4:32-36 & Matthew 9:25.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 9: Let the Dead Bury the DeadInvitation: Prayers Requested August 27, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 8: Persecution Leads Growth in Samaria - The Ethiopian Eunuch
A general persecution is raised against the Church, Acts 8:1. Stephen's burial, Acts 8:2. Saul greatly oppresses followers of Christ, Acts 8:3, Acts 8:4. Philip the deacon goes to Samaria, preaches, works many miracles, converts many persons, and baptizes Simon the sorcerer, Acts 8:5-13. Peter and John are sent by the apostles to Samaria; they confirm the disciples, and by prayer and imposition of hands they confer the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:14-17. Simon the sorcerer, seeing this, offers them money, to enable him to confer the Holy Spirit, Acts 8:18, Acts 8:19. He is sharply reproved by Peter, and exhorted to repent, Acts 8:20-23. He appears to be convinced of his sin, and implores an interest in the apostle's prayers, Acts 8:24. Peter and John, having preached the Gospel in the villages of Samaria, return to Jerusalem, Acts 8:25. An angel of the Lord commands Philip to go towards Gaza, to meet an Ethiopian eunuch, Acts 8:26. He goes, meets, and converses with the eunuch, preaches the Gospel to him, and baptizes him, Acts 8:27-38. The Spirit of God carries Philip to Azotus, passing through which, he preaches in all the cities till he comes to Caesarea, Acts 8:39, Acts 8:40.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 9: He Who Is Least Amoung YouInvitation: Prayers Requested August 20, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 7: Stephen, The First Christian Martyr
Stephen the 1st Christian to Suffer Martyrdom This great chapter is taken up entirely by the account of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin and his martyrdom which climaxed it. Actually, Stephen's address was not so much a defense of himself as it was an epic survey of Jewish history as related to their rejection of the promised Messiah; and, while it is true a complete refutation of the charges against himself as apparent in this master oration, it is the glorious figure of the risen Lord which dominates every word of it. It is only natural that in an address which touches so many historical events the destructive critics have worked overtime searching. None of the so-called "contradictions," however, are of any importance; but a few of them will be noted for the purpose of showing the amazing weakness of such criticisms. Those great experts on Jewish history who sat in the Sanhedrin found no fault whatever with the history cited by Stephen; the only thing they objected to was his application of it! The name "Stephen" means "wreath" or "crown", and it is appropriate that the first to win the martyr's crown should have worn such a name.
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 9: Unclean SpiritInvitation: Prayers Requested August 13, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 6: Deacons Appointed - Stephen's Miracles and Arrest
This very short chapter narrates the preliminaries of Stephen's martyrdom, noting that it occurred following a period of great growth and prosperity for the new faith (Acts 6:1), that Stephen's rise to prominence was a result of his appointment as one of the seven chosen to administer the distribution of food to the needy, an appointment brought about by complaints of neglecting the Grecian widows (Acts 6:2-7), and that his popularity, ability in debate, and fearless proclamation of the truth resulted in a Pharisaical plot against him, leading to his arrest (Acts 6:8-15). Many things of very great significance come to view in this little chapter: there was the first instance of the laying on of the hands of the apostles; there appeared the first violent opposition of the Pharisees; there occurred the first expansion of the church's organization beyond that of the governing apostles; there was a second threat to the unity of the disciples, deriving from the allegations of neglect of a certain class receiving charity; and there was the exceedingly significant record of The 1st Summary "a great company of the priests became obedient to the faith"
Sunday Morning Bible Class - Luke 9: The TransfigurationInvitation: Prayers Requested August 6, 2017 Bulletin
Acts 5: Ananias and Sapphira, An Angel Delivers Apostles to Preach in the Temple
The hypocrisy of Ananias & wife Sapphira, their awful death, Acts 5:1-11. The apostles work many miracles, Church of Christ is increased, Acts 5:12-16. The high priest and the Sadducees, being incensed against the apostles, seize and put them in prison, Acts 5:17, Acts 5:18. The angel of God delivers them, and commands them to go to the temple, and proclaim the Gospel, Acts 5:19, Acts 5:20. The high priest, having gathered the council together in the morning, sends to the prison to have the apostles brought before him, Acts 5:21. The offers return, and report that they found the prison shut, and the watch set, but that the men had got out, Acts 5:22, Acts 5:23. A messenger arrives in the meanwhile, and says that the apostles are preaching in the temple, Acts 5:24, Acts 5:25. The captain and officers go and bring than before the council, who expostulate with them, Acts 5:26-28. The apostles defend themselves, and charge the council with the murder of Christ; and assert his resurrection from the dead and ascension to the right hand of God, Acts 5:29-32. The council are confounded, and purpose to slay the apostles, Acts 5:33. Gamaliel gives them seasonable and prudent advice, Acts 5:34-39. The council agree to it, but, before they discharge the apostles, beat them, and command them not to teach in the name of Jesus, Acts 5:40. They depart rejoicing in their persecution, and continue to preach Jesus Christ, Acts 5:41, Acts 5:42.
Acts 4: Peter's Prayer from Psalm 2
After being threatened by the Jewish High Court The Apostles returned to the Church and they went to their knees in prayer to God Acts 4:23 -31 This Psalm is Remarkable for its eloquent change of persons. It is like a heavenly stage play with different people who speak. Psalm 2:1-2 The Prophet Speaks & foretells of the coming Messiah or Christ. How do you know this prophecy is of Christ? An inspired Apostle tells me, I am tracking this Psalm correctly cf: Acts 4:25 ff. Psalm 2:3 The Enemies Speak Psalm 2:4-5 The Prophet Answers the Enemies Cf Luke 21:20 Psalm 2:6 God Speaks cf: Hebrews 12:22. Psalm 2:7 The Messiah Speaks cf: Son Luke 1:31, Matthew 3:13ff, Matthew 17:5ff, II Peter 1:15, Acts 13:33, Romans 1:3-4, Hebrews 1:1-6 & Hebrews 5:5. Psalm 2:8-9. God Answers the Messiah cf: Revelation 2:27, Revelations 12:5 & Rev, 19:15. Psalm 2:10-12, Prophet encourages Enemies to submit to God & His Messiah cf: Hebrews 6:1.
Acts 4: Confronting The Saducees and Sanhedrin
Revelation 12:5, Acts 4:1, Peter's sermon was interrupted by Sadducees. Matthew 27:65-66, Luke 22:4, Luke 22:52-53. One Acts main purposes is to show Jews who rejected and crucified Jesus continued rebelling against God. 9th hour, Acts 4:2-3, Acts 3:1, II Corinthians 5:17. Many believed, Acts 4:4. Sanhedrin, Acts 4:5-6. By what power, Acts 4:7. Respect, Acts 4:8, Matthew 10:17-19. Peter addresses head-on, Acts 4:9-10. Cornerstone, Acts 4:11, Matthew 21:42, Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Isaiah 8:13-17, I Peter 2:4-9, Ephesians 2:19-22, Romans 9:33. Saved, Acts 4:12. Not schooled, Acts 4:13. Man healed, Acts 4:14. Could not deny, Acts 4:15-16. Not speak of it, Acts 4:17-20. Threatened, Acts 4:21-22. Let go, Acts 4:23-24. Inspired, Acts 4:25-26.
Acts 3: Healing the Man at Gate Beautiful - 2nd Gospel Sermon
Luke, Author of Acts, chooses "wonders and signs" for an example to Theopolis. Another sign, Mark 16:17. The people marveled, Acts 3:9. Your God will come, when? Then! Isaiah 35:4-7. One Way, Isaiah 35:8, John 14:6. We will come Home, Isaiah 35:9-10, Hebrews 12:22-24, I Corinthians 2:9. Beautiful gate, Acts 3:10. Solomon's Porch, 3:11. Glorify God, not servant, Acts 3:12-13. Chose Barabbas, Acts 3:14-15. His faith healed him, Acts 3:16. Ignorance, Acts 3:17-18, Mark 12:7. Obey the Gospel, Acts 3:19 and 2:38. Second Coming, Acts 3:20-21, II Peter 3:12. Prophet like unto Moses, Acts 3:22-23. Prophecy, Acts 3:24. Sons of Abraham, Acts 3:25, Galatians 3:16. Jew first - then Gentile, Acts 3:26.
Nehemiah 1:1-11: Nehemiah, Man Of Prayer
(Nehemiah 1:4) Nehemiah displays great concern over the ruins of the city of Jerusalem. He has a zeal and a passion, for both God's honor and the honor of God's people. (Nehemiah 1:5) He appeals to God's covenant with his people. (Nehemiah 1:6) Nehemiah diligently calls upon the name of the Lord in this hour of distress. He confesses both his sins and the sins of the people. (Nehemiah 1:7) He confesses that they have broken God's law and disregarded his commandments. (Nehemiah 1:8-9) Nehemiah appeals to God's covenant and promises to forgive his people. (Nehemiah 1:10-11) He brings to God's attention the fact that those in the city of Jerusalem are His people, and once more pleads for God to hear his prayer.
The Five-Fold Worship of the Church
Worshiping God is our duty: cf: John 4:23-24. Lord's Supper: Exodus 12:1-15, 22-27 & 29-30, Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:15-26, I Corinthians 11:23-32; Preaching: Mark 16:15-16, I Corinthians 1:18, II Timothy 2:2, 3:14 & 4:5; Singing: Matthew 26:30, I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, James 5:13, I Corinthians 5:7 & II Chronicles 29:25-30; Praying: Acts 2:42, Luke 11:1-13, & Giving: I Corinthians 16:1-2 & II Corinthians 9:6-9, Malachi 3:7-12
Acts 2: A Fellowship of Believers is Born
Acts 2:36 is point of whole sermon "Lord" Greek-Kurios, YHWH-Hebrew Unspeakable name of God, & "Christ"-Greek Christos, Hebrew Messiah or Anointed One. Acts 2:37 No faith was produced by demonstrations of the spirit Acts 2:1-21. Only with preaching of Gospel, Acts 2:22-36 faith is produced. Cf Romans 10:17. Acts 2:38 contains 2 imperatives & 2 promises. Dependence of the clause, remission of sins, relies upon both imperative verbs, repent & be baptized. 2 promises, remission of sins & gift of Holy Spirit. Act 2:39 conditions are for whole Christian Age. Act 22:16, 2:40-42, Exodus 32:25-28, II Timothy 2:2, Ro 15:26, Prayer I Corinthians 11:23:31, Lk 18:1, Lk 11:9-10 Worship began 2:43-46 sharing their wealth Act 5:42, Ro 16:3:5I Corinthians 16:19, Phim. 1:1-2, 2:47 baptized believers added by the Lord to "the Church.", Daniel 2:44, Mt 15:9, Colossians 1:18,Mt 1616-18, Act 20:28;30, II Timothy 2:2 & 15. Great falling away II Pt 2:3 Reformation II Th 2:3 Restoration Jn 17:20-21 I Corinthians 1:10, Ep 1:22-23 & 4:3-6 Christians Only Acts 11:26, I Pt 4:16, II Pt 1:3, II Tm3:15, II Pt 1:20 Seed Lk 8:11 & 15 Lord's Supper Ac 20:7 Immersion Mk 16:15-16 Church is Christ's Bride.
Baptism and the Blessing of Water
The Great Commission, Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:15-16. Simon the sorcerer heard the Word and was baptized, Acts 8:4-13. The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized, Acts 8:27-39. Those who the Holy Ghost fell on were baptized, Acts 10:34-48. The Philippian Jailer was baptized, Acts 16:25-34. Crispus and his house believed and were baptized, Acts 18:1-8. I noticed how baptism works a good work in us and for us. We are openly raised from the dead as Christ triumphing over death (sin), Colossians 2:8-15. Baptized into Jesus Christ into His death, buried with Him, raised up with Him and live with Him, Romans 6:3-10. Baptized into the body, the Church, I Corinthians 12:12-14. Those baptized into Christ have put on Christ, Galatians 3:26-27. Those baptized into Christ are new creatures, II Corinthians 5:14-17. A Spiritual Metamorphosis needs to take place in our lives. Baptism now saves us, I Peter 3:18-22. Invitation: Hear - Romans 10:17, faith cometh by hearing. Believe - Hebrews 11:6, without faith it is impossible to please. Repent - Luke 13:3, Except you repent - ye shall all likewise perish. Confess - Matthew 10:22-33, confession. Remain Faithful - Revelation 2:10 - be faithful until death.
Luke 8:4-15: The Good Ground
In I Corinthians 3:6, Paul refers to God's people as "God's field." In Old Testament, we see that the heart of man is compared to soil, with the capability of being either hard or soft (Jeremiah 4:3-4). This is the idea which is conveyed in our text and Jesus reveals to us that there are four types of soil representing the hearts of four types of people. There is the ground that is along the path which represents hard hearts (Luke 8:12). The shallow soil along rock is good for a little while and represents those who are quick to believe yet there is no depth of soil. Consequently, they fall away in times of testing (Luke 8:13). The soil which is full of thorns represents those who while hearing the word are choked out and do not produce fruit (Luke 8:14). "As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience." Luke 8:15
Acts 2: Pentecost - The First Gospel Sermon
Acts 1:26-2:14 The Apostles are Baptized in The Holy Spirit evidenced with the sound of a "Rushing Mighty Wind" and, "Tongues like as of Fire" Fellowship called "The Church" is born. Acts 2:17 Last days cf: Joel 2:28-32. Acts 2:20 "day of The Lord"; is coming destruction of Jerusalem & final judgment day cf I Corinthians 5:5, II Corinthians 1:14, I Thessalonians 5:2, II Peter 3:10. During Christian Age "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". This chapter will teach us how to call. Acts 2:22-24 This is the greatest speech in history. Peter makes 7 points Acts 2:25 cf Psalm 16:8-11. Acts 2:26-28 cf: Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 2:17, John 9:4. Acts 2:29-30 cf: Matthew 22:41:46, Psalm 132:11. Acts 2:31-35 cf: Psalm 110:1. Acts 2:36 is point of whole sermon "Lord" Greek-Kurios, YHWH-Hebrew Unspeakable name of God, & "Christ" - Greek Christos, Hebrew Messiah or Anointed One. Acts 2:37 No faith was produced by demonstrations of the spirit Acts 2:1-21. Only with preaching of Gospel, Acts 2:22-36 faith is produced. Cf Romans 10:17. Acts 2:38 contains 2 imperatives & 2 promises. Dependence of the clause, remission of sins, relies upon both imperative verbs, repent & be baptized. 2 promises, remission of sins & gift of Holy Spirit. 2:39 conditions are for whole Christian Age. 2:40-42 Worship began 2:43-46 sharing their wealth 2:47 baptized believers added by the Lord to "the Church."
Acts 1: World Conquest
Most of the verses in Acts are written in 3rd person: "they did "or "he did ". But some use 1st person plural, "we" [Acts 16:10-18, 20:5-15, 21:1-18, 27:1, 28:16]. "We" alerts us to the fact that the author is an eyeball witness. Purpose in writing Luke & Acts: words & deeds of Jesus in Luke & World conquest by Gospel in Acts. The introduction in Luke 1:1-4 states his purpose. Luke/Acts should be considered one work in two parts. Read Luke 24 with Acts. Threads tie Luke and Acts together: Both addressed to Theophilus [Acts 1:1, Luke 1:3], Acts 1:1 speaks of the "Former treatise" (Luke); Jesus didn't practice what He preached. He preached what He practiced. "of all that Jesus began both to do and teach," [Acts 1:1]: "in deed and word" [Luke 24:19]; He was "taken up" [Acts 1:2, Luke 24:51]; Commandments given [Acts 1:2, Mark 16:15-16, Mathew 28:18-20]. "To whom" whom is an antecedent that refers back to nearest noun "Apostle" in verse 2. "Many infallible proofs" [Acts 1:3, Luke 24:36-43]; "things pertaining to the kingdom of God" [Acts 1:3, Luke 24:46-47]; Apostles were to wait for the promise [Acts 1:4, Luke 24:49]. Apostles were to be baptized with the Holy Ghost [Acts 1:5, Matt 3:11-12]. Jesus promised Kingdom to come during the life of the apostles [Mark 9:1]. Is this the time? Jesus says don't worry about time stay focused on job [Acts 1:7, I Thessalonians 5:1ff]. Jesus promised Kingdom would come with Power [Mark 9:1, Acts 1:8]. Jesus says Power comes with the Holy Ghost upon Apostles [Acts 1:8]. Apostles to be eyeball witnesses unto earth [Acts 1:21-22, 2:32, 3:15, 5:32, 10:39-41, 22:14-15, 23:11, 26:13-16, II Peter 1:13-21].
I Corinthians 15:1-4: The Gospel Preached to all the World in Every Generation
Preach the Gospel, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16. Preaching: The evangelist is to herald or announce the "Good News"... you announce "News" you do not teach news. The Evangelist is to read, reason, state, illustrate and prove the great gospel facts, Luke 24:44-49, II Timothy 3:12-17, Preach The Word, II Timothy 4:1-5, Acts 20:27. Your words are not inspired God's word is inspired and after announcing the "Good News" Evangelist is to "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever" Christ and the Apostles taught us. II Timothy 2:2. Apostles would complete their World Wide Mission, Psalm 19:1-14. Apostles and 1st century Church did it, Mark 16:20, Acts 28:22, Romans 1:8, Romans 10:14-18, Colossians 1:5-6, Colossians 1:23, I Thessalonians1:7-8. Giving our money is a blessing, Malachi 3:8-10, Acts 2:42.
I Corinthians 2:2: The Cross of Christ
The great need for the Church today is not new and better ideas or more church growth schemes, but rather a return to the old paths which are given to us in the Bible. (Jeremiah 6:16) (Acts 2:42) We must make it our great ambition to lift up Christ in the preaching of the Cross, the foundation of all Christian Doctrine! (Rom. 3:23-27) (I Corinthians 2:2,15:1-4) God is Holy (Isaiah 6:3)(Habakkuk 1:13). Man is sinful (Genesis 6:5) (Romans 3:10-18). God is just and is a righteous Judge. (Genesis 18:25) (Ps75:7) How can God be "Just and the justifier"? ( Romans 3:25)(Pr 17:15) Jesus is our substitute, propitiation, and Passover Lamb. (I Corinthians 5:7)
The Great Commission: Matthew 28, Mark 16, & Luke 24
Christ Commissions His Apostles - Mark 16:14 He appears to eleven & rebukes their unbelief, Luke 24:36-43 & John 20:19-23. Mk 16:15-16 Gospel all the world, Matthew 28:18-20 & Luke. 24:44-49, Acts 1:4-8. Mk 16:17 cf. Mk 16:14-17. "The Eleven" Apostles are the antecedent of "them" in Mark 16:17. Antecedents always refer back to the nearest named noun. Cast out devils cf: Acts 5:16, Tongues Acts 2:1-4, Mk 16:18 Serpents cf: Genesis 3:15, Psalm 91:11-13, Luke. 10:17-19, Acts 28:3-6 & Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:3-4, Mk 16:19 Received into Heaven Luke 24:51 & Acts 1:9, Psalm 110:1, Ephesians 1:19-20, Hebrews 1:3 & v:13, Hebrews 10:12-13, Mk 16:20. Gospel preached everywhere cf Matthew 24:14, Prophecy Psalm 19:1-9, Romans 10:14-18, Colossians 1:5-6, Colossians 1:23 & I Thessalonians 1:7-8.
Is World War III Approaching? Is This The "End of Days"? What does the Bible Say?
The doctrine of Christ's resurrection according to the Scriptures is The Gospel. I Corinthians 15:1-4, What Scriptures? Isaiah 53:8-10. Jesus the resurrected Christ, seen by over 500 witnesses plus the Apostles, I Corinthians 15:5-7, Paul's Apostleship, I Corinthians 15:8-10, II Corinthians 11:23-28. All the Apostles preached & believed the same things, I Corinthians 15:11. There is a Judaizing false teacher at Corinth I Corinthians 15:12. On the contrary, Paul says "but now is Christ risen" & first-fruits are proof of a coming great harvest, I Corinthians 15:20. Christ the second Adam, I Corinthians 15:21-22. There is order in the Resurrection, I Corinthians 15:23. At the end of time, Christ will deliver up the Kingdom, the people of Christ or the Church of Christ, to God, I Corinthians 15:24. Greater & different degrees splendor in Resurrection, I Corinthians 15:41-44. Second coming of Christ in Power & Glory is one event, John 6:40, Resurrection of the dead at the last day, John 6:40, Matthew 25:31-36, dead raised I Thessalonians 4:13-18, cf: John 6:40, I Corinthians 15:50-57, cf: John 6:40, II Peter 3:1-18. The work of the Lord, I Corinthians 15:58,.
"Easter" - Luke 24: "He is Risen"
Women coming early to sepulcher on 1st day of the week, bringing spices, find stone rolled away, & tomb empty, Lk 24:1-3. They see a vision of angels, announce Christ's resurrection, Lk 24:4-8. Women return & tell this to the eleven, Lk 24:9, Lk 24:10. They believe not, but Peter goes & examines tomb, Lk 24:11, Lk 24:12. Christ, unknown, appears to two of the disciples on the way Emmaus, & converses with them, vv. 13-29. While they are eating together, he makes himself known, & immediately disappears, Lk 24:30, Lk 24:31. They return to Jerusalem, and announce his resurrection to the rest of the disciples, Lk 24:32-35. Jesus appears to them, & gives them many infallible proofs of the reality of his resurrection, Lk. 24:36-43. He preaches to them, gives them the promise of the Holy Spirit, & commissions them: Lk 24:44-49. He takes them to Bethany, & ascends to heaven in sight, Lk 24:50, Lk 24:51. They worship him, & return to Jerusalem, Lk 24:53.
Harmony of the Gospels: The Crucifixion of Jesus
These verses are chosen for the fullest account. This is much like the earliest known harmony the Diatessaron by Tatian in the 2nd century, and variations based on the Diatessaron continued to appear into the Middle Ages. A Gospel harmony is an attempt to collate the Christian canonical gospels into a single gospel account. Gospel harmonies are constructed and studied by scholars to establish a coherent chronology of the events depicted in the four canonical gospels in the life of Jesus, to better understand how the accounts relate to each other, and to evaluate their use of different words. You should, however, read all 4 Gospels to Understand the complete account.
Mark 11:1-11: Triumphal Entry - Genesis 49:10, Zechariah 9:9
Christ rides into Jerusalem upon an ass, in fulfillment of the prophecy of: Genesis 49:10-11 & Zechariah 9:9; He Expels money changers, Matthew 21:12 in fulfillment of Malachi 3:1-7, blind & lame healed, Matthew 21:14 cf: Isaiah 35:5, Parables of 2 sons & vineyard Matthew 21:28-41, The stone cf: Psalm 118:22ff, Isaiah 28:16, Isaiah 8:13-15, Acts 4:11ff, Romans 9:33, Ephesians 2:19-22, I Peter 2:5-9 & Romans 12:1-2. Royal & Triumphal Entrance into Jerusalem: Mark 11 Official Entrance into Jerusalem. Mark 11:1-11 cf: Genesis 49:10-11, Revelation 19:11-16, Zechariah 9:9-11, Psalm 118:25-26 & Malachi 3:1-5; The Barren Fig Tree Cursed. Mark 11:12-14 cf: Hosea 9:10, Matthew 23:23, Matthew 7:15-20, Jeremiah 11:1-3, Isaiah 65:15; The Second Cleansing of the Temple. Mark 11:15-16 cf: Jeremiah 7:30, Ezekiel 8:15-18, Isaiah 52:11 & Isaiah 56:7; Indignation of the Jewish Rulers. Mark 11:17-19 cf: Psalm 69:9, John 11:47-50; Faith, The missing Figs of Israel. Mark 11:20-26
Worship at Home: The Five Things we Do to Worship God
The 5 Fold Worship of the Church Worshiping God is our duty: cf: Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42, & John 4:23-24. Lord's Supper: Exodus 12: 1-15, 22-27 & 29-30, Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:15-26, I Corinthians 11:23-32; Preaching: Mark 16:15-16, I Corinthians 1:18, II Timothy 2:2, 3:14 & 4:5; Singing: Matthew 26:30, I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, James 5:13 & II Chronicles 29:25-30; Praying: Acts 2:42, Luke 11:1-13, & Giving: I Corinthians 16:1-2 & II Corinthians 9:6-9
Home Churches: How to Set Up a New Testament Church in Your Home
Worship with reverence & fear Hebrews 12:28-29 & James 4:7-10 All Christians Priests I Peter 2:5-9 If the Church of Christ does not exist in your community, you should start now Worshiping in your home and asking others to come meet with you. As Jesus said Luke 14: 21 ... Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. The Church of Christ is not a building, ... the Church of Christ is the people of Christ who have come to Christ biblically in the appointed way. The Church of Christ is not a denomination, it is the one true fellowship you read about in Romans 16:16 If the Church in its true form exists where you live, it might not be advisable to start a new congregation ... on the other hand if there is not a Bible believing faithful congregation in your area ... or if you just don't fit and you have stopped assembling then you have the responsibility to begin worshiping God properly yourself and thereby establishing the Church in your home Jesus did not commission us to go into all the world & build gothic cathedrals or church buildings.
I Peter 2:5-9: The Priesthood Of all Believers - All Christians are Priests
Worship with reverence & fear Hebrews 12:28-29 & James 4:7-10 All Christians Priests I Peter 2:5-9 If the Church of Christ does not exist in your community, you should start now Worshiping in your home and asking others to come meet with you. As Jesus said Luke 14: 21 ... Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. The Church of Christ is not a building, ... the Church of Christ is the people of Christ who have come to Christ biblically in the appointed way. The Church of Christ is not a denomination, it is the one true fellowship you read about in Romans 16:16 If the Church in its true form exists where you live, it might not be advisable to start a new congregation ... on the other hand if there is not a Bible believing faithful congregation in your area ... or if you just don't fit and you have stopped assembling then you have the responsibility to begin worshiping God properly yourself and thereby establishing the Church in your home Jesus did not commission us to go into all the world & build gothic cathedrals or church buildings.
Romans 16:16: Worship God with Reverence and Fear
If the Church of Christ does not exist in your community, you should start now Worshiping in your home and asking others to come meet with you. As Jesus said Luke 14: 21... Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. The Church of Christ is not a building, the Church of Christ is the people of Christ who have come to Christ biblically in the appointed way. The Church of Christ is not a denomination, it is the one true fellowship you read about in Romans 16:16 If the Church in its true form exists where you live, it might not be advisable to start a new congregation... on the other hand if there is not a Bible believing faithful congregation in your area... or if you just don't fit and you have stopped assembling then you have the responsibility to begin worshiping God properly yourself and thereby establishing the Church in your home Jesus did not commission us to go into all the world and build gothic cathedrals or church buildings.
God's Word, Part 4: The Inerrant Word of God
When the Bible is properly interpreted, archaeology supports the events described in it. Bible deniers love to point out inconsistencies
such as the fact that no archaeological evidence supports a Hebrew conquest of Canaan during the 13th century BC. However, the common belief that
the exodus and subsequent conquest occurred in the 13th century is based solely on the Biblical mention of the Israelites leaving the city of Rameses.
But the city of Rameses was not called Rameses at the time that the exodus began. Those who later copied or translated the book of Exodus
updated the city's name to reflect it's current name, much the same as a historian might refer to Gaul as "iron age Europe" in order to give people
a better idea of it's current-day location. Such updates can be found in several places in the Old Testament. Following references to the date of the
Exodus and Canaanite conquest in Judges and Kings I, the date of the Exodus can be estimated at about 1,447 BC, when the Israelites would have left
either the city of Tanis or Avaris, both of which were later renamed "Rameses" by Rameses the Great (Rameses II) during Egypt's 19th dynasty. If
the Exodus happened in 1,447, then the conquest of Canaan would have happened in 1,407, after the Israelites had wandered 40 years in the
Sinai wilderness. Archaeological evidence for a conquest in the 14th and 15th centuries BC is abundant.
Critics try to consign the Bible to the same prominence as all of the mythological writings of the ancient world, but the Bible contains reasonable
wisdom that can be proven through science and archaeology, where the myths of Greeks and Romans describe such things as a God who physically
holds the world up on his shoulders. It's not that the Bible is simply a better revelation than Egyptian, Babylonian, Greek or Roman religions -
the truth is, the Bible is altogether true while others are altogether false.
God's Word, Part 3: The Devine Inspiration of the Bible
When men create their own religions they always imagine Gods that are like them, with all of their human flaws and attributes. Such people as the Greeks and Romans had Gods that were proud, jealous, lustful, petty and vindictive. Men create religious laws and methods of worship that please them, and therefore the people have no problem adhering to their religious practices. After all, what ungodly person wouldn't like a worship service that involves indulging their carnal desires, having random anonymous sex in the temple? The Canaanites and Egyptians seemed to have no problem adhering to their religions, while the Hebrews frequently abandoned their own religion in favor of the carnal religions of their neighbors. If the Hebrews had created their religion out of their own minds, why didn't they construct a religion that pleased them? Why were they always following after other people's religions? Because God's religion came from God, not man. It set a high standard for man's behavior that man wouldn't have naturally chosen for himself. It revealed a God not ruled by men's desires, but pure in nature and conduct such as men won't on their own achieve. The Bible is entirely inspired and true, while other religions are entirely man-made and false. The doctrine of Inspiration asserts that men would have been incapable of creating a system annunciating it's teaching in the midst of changing conditions throughout the centuries. There are things contained in scripture that no human intelligence could possibly have foreseen. For example, Isaiah wrote in detail about the death, burial and resurrection of the Messiah 700 years before it happened. Isaiah even told us that the world was round 300 years before Socrates [Isaiah 40:22].
God's Word, Part 2: Not Human or Natural
Non-believers account for the Bible on natural rather than supernatural grounds. Some assume that men simply evolved over the centuries and wrote a more coherent account. The Bible is not just more evolved than other religious documents, it makes sense where others don't. For instance, most civilizations have an account of a catastrophic flood that destroyed all people and land animals except for those saved by some hero in a boat. However, the ancient Mesopotamian, Sumerian, Assyrian, Babylonian and other accounts read like fairy tales, and they describe all of the animals being loaded into a small rowboat or a craft that doesn't even make sense. None of them describe the event or the vessel in any accurate detail. The book of Genesis, however, gives detailed instructions and measurements for an ark that, if built according to the scripture, would be not only seaworthy, but more than capable of containing the number of land animals that would have existed in the quantities that God instructed Noah to save. It details the event in a believable way, which is typical of events described in the Bible and atypical of the religious writings of men. The Holy Scriptures did not originate in the human mind. They are not a human product and cannot be accounted for on natural grounds.
God's Word, Part 1: The Origin of the Bible
The Bible is used to describe books of Old & New Testaments. It comes from Greek biblos meaning book. Difference between the Old & New Testament: Hebrews taught that Christ brought a new & better Testament, [Hebrews 7:22, 8:6-13, 9:15]. The Old Testament is divided into three groups. The Law: The 1st 5 books of Moses known as the Torah & Pentateuch. The Prophets: 21 books - major & minor Old Testament Prophets. Writings: 13 books of poetry, history and psalms. The New Testament consists of 27 books that naturally divide into 4 parts - The 4 Gospels, Acts, Epistles & Revelation. Epistles are 21 books of teaching. 13 are Pauline Epistles (written by the apostle Paul), 8 are called General Epistles written by other Apostles/Prophets. Hebrews was written by an unknown writer. The Bible is a remarkable book - Its Teachings Divinely Inspired. Particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries, the Bible has been under attack by unbelievers. The unbelievers account for the scriptures on natural rather than supernatural grounds. They see the Bible as simply a work of hebrews to document their history and belief system, and many regard the historical accounts as flawed or fabricated. The doctrine of Inspiration asserts that Bible revelation did not and could not originate in the mind of man. The Bible claims to be "inspired", meaning "God breathed" [cf: II Timothy 3:16]. "No prophesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation - Holy men of God spake as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" [II Peter 1:20]. Isaiah taught that when the Messiah comes, the way of truth would be easily understood - "...the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err within" [Isaiah 35:8]. The unbelievers also scoff at the miracles documented in the Bible, accounting for scripture on natural grounds. While miracles seem unlikely in our everyday lives, what could be impossible for a God who created the universe with a word?
In Christ, Part 4: In Christ or Lost
How important is being In Christ? Make a list of the blessings in Christ or in Him cf: John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 8:38-39, Rom. 12:5; I Corinthians 1:30, I Corinthians 3:1, I Corinthians 4:15, I Corinthians 15:22; II Corinthians 1:20-21, II Corinthians 2:14, II Corinthians 3:14 , II Corinthians 5:17, 19 & 21; Galatians 1:22, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 1:4, 7, 10, 11 & 13, Ephesians 2:6, 10-14 & 19-22, Ephesians 3:6 & 10-12; Philippians 1:1, 14 & 26, Philippians 2:1 & 5 , Philippians 3:3, 9-10 & 14; Colossians 1:2 & 2, Colossians 2:3-7, Colossians 2:9-14; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; II Timothy 1:9, II Timothy2:1& 10 All teach in Christ or in Him; Galatians 3:27 & Rom. 6:3-6 teach how to get into Christ.
In Christ. Part 3: Being Found In Christ
How important is being In Christ? Make a list of the blessings in Christ or in Him cf: John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 8:38-39, Rom. 12:5; I Corinthians 1:30, I Corinthians 3:1, I Corinthians 4:15, I Corinthians 15:22; II Corinthians 1:20-21, II Corinthians 2:14, II Corinthians 3:14 , II Corinthians 5:17, 19 & 21; Galatians 1:22, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 1:4, 7, 10, 11 & 13, Ephesians 2:6, 10-14 & 19-22, Ephesians 3:6 & 10-12; Philippians 1:1, 14 & 26, Philippians 2:1 & 5 , Philippians 3:3, 9-10 & 14; Colossians 1:2 & 2, Colossians 2:3-7, Colossians 2:9-14; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; II Timothy 1:9, II Timothy2:1& 10 All teach in Christ or in Him; Galatians 3:27 & Rom. 6:3-6 teach how to get into Christ.
In Christ, Part 2: Being In Christ
How important is being In Christ? Make a list of the blessings in Christ or in Him cf: John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 8:38-39, Rom. 12:5; I Corinthians 1:30, I Corinthians 3:1, I Corinthians 4:15, I Corinthians 15:22; II Corinthians 1:20-21, II Corinthians 2:14, II Corinthians 3:14 , II Corinthians 5:17, 19 & 21; Galatians 1:22, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 1:4, 7, 10, 11 & 13, Ephesians 2:6, 10-14 & 19-22, Ephesians 3:6 & 10-12; Philippians 1:1, 14 & 26, Philippians 2:1 & 5 , Philippians 3:3, 9-10 & 14; Colossians 1:2 & 2, Colossians 2:3-7, Colossians 2:9-14; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; II Timothy 1:9, II Timothy2:1& 10 All teach in Christ or in Him; Galatians 3:27 & Rom. 6:3-6 teach how to get into Christ.
In Christ, Part 1
How important is being In Christ? Make a list of the blessings in Christ or in Him cf: John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26, Rom. 8:1, Rom. 8:38-39, Rom. 12:5; I Corinthians 1:30, I Corinthians 3:1, I Corinthians 4:15, I Corinthians 15:22; II Corinthians 1:20-21, II Corinthians 2:14, II Corinthians 3:14 , II Corinthians 5:17, 19 & 21; Galatians 1:22, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 1:4, 7, 10, 11 & 13, Ephesians 2:6, 10-14 & 19-22, Ephesians 3:6 & 10-12; Philippians 1:1, 14 & 26, Philippians 2:1 & 5 , Philippians 3:3, 9-10 & 14; Colossians 1:2 & 2, Colossians 2:3-7, Colossians 2:9-14; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; II Timothy 1:9 , II Timothy2:1& 10 All teach in Christ or in Him; Galatians 3:27 & Rom. 6:3-6 teach how get into Christ.
