December 14, 2016

Why We Do What We Do in Worship

Communion Trays

As Christians, we have an obligation to “do all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). This means to do things by His authority (cf. Matthew 7:21-23). When it comes to the worship of the church, abiding by what has been authorized in God’s word means we will do those things that we can read about in the New Testament.

So what did the churches in the first century do when they assembled together to worship the Lord? There are five “acts” we can read about in the New Testament:
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October 3, 2016

Sermon on the Mount (Part 3): A Sincere Life

Sermon on the Mount (Part 3): A Sincere Life

As we continue our study, we will consider how the life of a disciple is a sincere life. Though the word sincere is not used in the verses we will examine, it is certainly the concept under consideration. One who is sincere is one who says what he genuinely feels or believes and is not dishonest or hypocritical. A disciple of Christ cannot be a hypocrite. Our outward actions must be in harmony with our inward thoughts and motivations. The Pharisees were known for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:2, 13) and Jesus said our righteousness must exceed theirs (Matthew 5:20). As He explained in these verses, the life of a disciple must be a sincere life.
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July 18, 2016

Elders in Every Church (Part 5): Appointing and Working with Elders

Elders in Every Church (Part 5): Appointing and Working with Elders

Once men have developed to the point that they are qualified to be elders, what comes next? Elders must be appointed. After this, the congregation must work under their oversight. How does this work? And what about a congregation without qualified men to serve as elders? Let us consider these questions in this final lesson.
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July 13, 2016

God Remembered

Noah's Ark

“But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things which accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints” (Hebrews 6:9-10).

The Hebrew writer reminded the Christians to whom he wrote that God would not forget their work. The same promise applies to us today as well.

On an intellectual level, Christians may know this. We know that God is omniscient and, therefore, knows what we are doing and what we have done. However, during difficult times, it can sometimes feel as though God has forgotten us, even though we know He has not.
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April 6, 2016

The Church Gathered Together

Two Men Praying

Togetherness is a characteristic seen in the Lord’s church throughout the book of Acts. Let us briefly consider the examples of the church gathering together and see what lessons we can learn.
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March 7, 2016

The Importance of Faith (Part 3): Sons of God

The Importance of Faith (Part 3): Sons of God

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26).
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December 14, 2015

The Psalm of the Word (Part 22): Praise

The Psalm of the Word

Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding according to Your word.

Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.

Let my lips utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.

Let my tongue sing of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand be ready to help me,
For I have chosen Your precepts.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And Your law is my delight.

Let my soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.

(Psalm 119:169-176)

This final stanza focuses on the need to praise God because of His word. We noticed this point a little bit in the previous lesson. The thoughts expressed in these verses are a fitting conclusion to the psalm and our study of it. Given all that we have learned about God’s word, we should praise Him.
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