Category Archives: Expository Teaching

Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:1-13 Dreams of Utopia have haunted human minds for millennia. When Sir Thomas More, in 1516, wrote the book Utopia, he chose the name because in Greek it means “no place.” Many attempts have been made in … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Malachi 1:2-5 III. God’s Love Defined – Continued 4. A Permanent Love The force of the Hebrew construction in the words, “I have loved you,” are “I have loved you and I still love you.” These people Malachi … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Malachi 1:2-5 III. God’s Love Defined – Continued 2. A Predestinating Love “Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. You will say to me then, ‘Why does He still find fault? … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Malachi 1:2-5 III. God’s Love Defined – Continued 1. A Providential Love – Continued From last lesson: Jesus does not mean we are to hate our loved ones in the normal sense of the word; the obvious and … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Malachi 1:2-5 III. God’s Love Defined Malachi, in the situation he addresses, the words he uses and the illustration he gives, paints a beautiful picture of what it means to be truly loved by God. We doubt the … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Malachi 1:2-5 Henry Ward Beecher began his ministry in a small church. Week by week he preached those noble Christian virtues that he felt would lead his people into responsible Christlike living. But nothing seemed to happen. The … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-12 Assistance for Trials (verses 5-12). To those who feel confused and frustrated by the high goal of “not lacking anything,” James further wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.” Assistance is readily … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-12 Advantage of Trials (verses 3–4). As mentioned previously, Christians can face trials with joy because there are rich advantages from these testings. Trials, rightly taken, produce the sterling quality of endurance and become a reflection of … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-12 In order to attain Christian maturity and holy conduct it is essential to have a firm foundation. The believer must be able to stand with confidence. He dare not be pushed down by trials. He must … Continue reading →

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. – John 1:4. In this verse John introduces two of the greatest themes of his narrative. Often at the beginning of an important work of literature or music, … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:19-30 Epaphroditus – Continued Please read Philippians 2:25-30 for background to this section. From last lesson: Epaphroditus was a balanced Christian! Balance is important in the Christian life. Some people emphasize “fellowship” so much that they forget … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:19-30 Timothy – Continued Please read Philippians 2:19-24 for background to this section. Paul did not make the mistake of moving too fast with Timothy. He gave him time to get his roots down, and then he … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:19-30 Timothy – Continued Please read Philippians 2:19-24 for background to this section. Notice the characteristics of this young man: He had a servant’s mind (verses 19–21). To begin with, Timothy naturally cared for people and was … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:19-30 A reporter in San Bernardino, California arranged for a man to lie in the gutter on a busy street. Hundreds of people passed the man but not one stopped to help him or even show sympathy! … Continue reading →