Podcast: Download

By Donald St. Martin

Benchley, July 28, 2010

• Judah’s last days:  II Kings 18-25; II Chronicles 29-36
• The captivity

Podcast: Download

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, July 25, 2010

• Different beliefs regarding the relationship of faith and works:
  • Faith without works saves
    • Methodist Discipline Article #9
  • Works without faith save
    • This belief is held by:
      • Those who teach that a child is born in sin.
      • Those who teach purgatory.
      • Those who teach baptism for the dead.
      • Those who teach salvation is by works of merit.
  • Faith and works save
    • Is this correct?
    • Many would answer “yes”.
    • But to be exact, the answer is “no”.
    • One is not saved by faith and works as two distinct things, but by a faith that works obedience to God’s word.
  • Faith that works obedience saves
    • This is true in initial salvation.
    • This is true in continued salvation.
    • This is true in restored salvation.
• Ephesians 2:8-10
  • Salvation is by faith and is the gift of God.
  • It is not of works that allow one to boast.
  • It is of faith that works that which God has ordained.
• Paul and James on Abraham
  • Romans 4:4-6 and James 2:21-26 considered
  • Paul uses “works” in the sense of perfect meritorious lawkeeping – earning one’s salvation.
  • James uses “works” in the sense of obedience.
  • But they are talking about the same kind of faith.
    • Paul shows Abraham was justified by trusting God to PROVIDE.
    • James shows Abraham was justified by trying God to DIRECT.

Podcast: Download

By David Watson

Benchley, July 25, 2010

• Forgiveness
  • Romans 3:20-26 – All need forgiveness.
  • Acts 15:1,5-11 – No one obeys perfectly.
  • I Corinthians 6:9-11 – They were washed, sanctified, and justified.
• Brethren
  • I Kings 19:10,18 – Elijah was not as alone in his service to God as he thought.
  • Philemon 4-7
  • Philippians 1:3-7; 4:16 – Paul’s thankfulness for his brethren
  • I Corinthians 1:4
• Truth
  • John 1:14 – Jesus is truth.
  • John 17:17 – God’s word is truth.
  • Joshua 23:14 – None of what God has spoken has failed.
• Heaven
  • Hebrews 4:9-10

Podcast: Download

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, July 25, 2010

• Faith is the foundation of a working church.
• Love is the motivation of a working church.
• Every chapter in I Thessalonians ends with a mention of the coming of the Lord.

Podcast: Download

By Donald St. Martin

Benchley, July 21, 2010

• The Divided Kingdom:  I Kings 12-II Kings 25; II Chronicles 10-36
• The Fall of Israel:  I Kings 12-II Kings 17
• Judah’s last days:  II Kings 18-25; II Chronicles 29-36

Podcast: Download

By Danny Lackey

Benchley, July 18, 2010

• II Peter 1:5-11
• Elements necessary for spiritual growth
  • Desire to grow (I Peter 2:2)
  • Choose to obey God’s command (II Peter 3:18)
  • Be willing to work at it, with God’s help ( Philippians 4:13; 2:12-13)
  • Set goals to add to your faith (II Peter 1:5-8)
  • Develop habits to reach goals (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 10:24-25; Romans 12:3-8)
  • Remain steadfast with a positive attitude (I Corinthians 15:58)
  • Follow the examples of Christ and the apostles (I Peter 2:21; Philippians 3:17; 4:9)
• Hindrance to spiritual growth
  • Lack of effort (Hebrews 5:12-18; Proverbs 24:30-34)
  • Discouragement (II Corinthians 11:24-29; 4:8-9; 5:1; Galatians 6:9)
  • Lack of use (Hebrews 2:1)
  • Interference (Mark 4:18-19)
• Steps to ensure spiritual growth
  • Become active in the work of the congregation (Psalms 84:10; Isaiah 6:8)
  • Start a program of regular private devotions
  • Participate in informal Bible study groups
  • Become involved in leading people to Christ (John 1:40-46)
  • Practice constant self-examination
• Where do you stand in your spiritual growth?
• Remember, we will have to give account.

Podcast: Download

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, July 18, 2010

• Philippians 4:6; I John 5:15
• Petitions
  • For forgiveness of sins
  • For brethren (Acts 12:5; II Corinthians 1:10-11)
  • For preachers of the word to stand
  • For the word to have free course (II Thessalonians 3:1)
  • For enemies and those who persecute you
  • For sinners to be saved
  • For rulers
  • For wisdom
  • For physical things
    • Some teach that God doesn’t answer prayers for physical things, but this is not scriptural.
    • Romans 15:25-32 – Paul asked others to pray for his physical wellbeing.

Podcast: Download

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, July 18, 2010

• The writer of the book is Paul.  The author is the Holy Spirit.
• The book was probably written about A.D. 52.
• Paul was in Corinth when he wrote the letter.
• Acts 17:1-10 – The beginning of the church in Thessalonica.
• I Thessalonians 1:4 – Can my brethren see my life and know that my election is secure?

Podcast: Download

By Donald St. Martin

Benchley, July 14, 2010

• Saul:  I Samuel 8-31; I Chronicles 10
• David:  II Samuel 1:1 – I Kings 2:11; I Chronicles 10-29
• Solomon:  I Kings 1-11; II Chronicles 1-9

Podcast: Download

By Jesse Jenkins

Benchley, July 11, 2010

• For what is a Christian to pray?
  • Negatively:
    • Not for the Holy Spirit to come to Him (John 16:13)
    • Not for God to love him (John 3:16)
    • Nor for Jesus to come to him (Matthew 11:28)
    • Not for saving power to come to him (Romans 1:16)
    • Not for God to be willing to save him (II Peter 3:9)
    • Not for forgiveness for one who will not repent
• Acceptable prayer consists of:
  • Praise to God
    • “Hallowed” – Matthew 6:9
    • “Trust” – Psalms 7:1
    • “Excellent” – Psalms 8:1
    • “Praise” – Psalms 9:1
    • “Rock, fortress, deliverer, strength”
  • Thanksgiving
    • Psalms 105:1; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 1:13; Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 6:16
  • Confession of sins
    • Psalms 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9
  • Petitions
    • Which we will notice in our next lesson.