Uncategorized

The Book of Psalms

Monday: A Prayer before Retiring

Theme: An Evening Psalm
In this week’s lessons, we learn about David’s prayers, and how we, too, need to pray for God’s protection as we seek to live an upright life.
Scripture: Psalm 141:1-10

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Tuesday: A Prayer before Retiring

Theme: Hindrances to Prayer
In this week’s lessons, we learn about David’s prayers, and how we, too, need to pray for God’s protection as we seek to live an upright life.
Scripture: Psalm 141:1-10
Why do we find prayer boring? There are a number of reasons.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Wednesday: A Prayer before Retiring

Theme: The Substance of David’s Prayer
In this week’s lessons, we learn about David’s prayers, and how we, too, need to pray for God’s protection as we seek to live an upright life.
Scripture: Psalm 141:1-10

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Thursday: A Prayer before Retiring

Theme: Keeping Away from Evil
In this week’s lessons, we learn about David’s prayers, and how we, too, need to pray for God’s protection as we seek to live an upright life.
Scripture: Psalm 141:1-10
In today’s study we resume our look at verses 3 and 4 in which David asks God to “set a guard” over his mouth, his heart and his actions.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Friday: A Prayer before Retiring

Theme: Walk on the Upright Path
In this week’s lessons, we learn about David’s prayers, and how we, too, need to pray for God’s protection as we seek to live an upright life.
Scripture: Psalm 141:1-10

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Tuesday: Alone but for the Lord

Theme: Fervent Prayers
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of God’s care for us as we cry out to him in our troubles.
Scripture: Psalm 142:1-7
The first two verses set the tone for the psalm, because here David is pouring out his distress before God, seeking God’s help in his trouble. He is praying urgently.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Thursday: Alone but for the Lord

Theme: Who God Is
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of God’s care for us as we cry out to him in our troubles.
Scripture: Psalm 142:1-7
What did David see when he was in the cave alone? He saw that God was four important things to him and for him. We have already covered the first thing in yesterday’s study, that of a refuge. Let’s look at the next three points.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Thursday: The Last of the Penitential Psalms

Theme: Remembering and Following
In this week’s lessons, we see how our entire lives should be characterized by repentance.
Scripture: Psalm 143:1-12
In the third stanza David puts himself under an important spiritual discipline: to remember God’s acts on his behalf and for other godly people in past days. He uses three verbs to describe what he does: “I remember,” “I meditate,” and I “consider.”

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Monday: Blessings on God’s People

Theme: The Importance of Personal Pronouns
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to trust God for his help and blessing.
Scripture: Psalm 144:1-15
Martin Luther used to say that true religion is to be found in personal pronouns. He meant that it is only when we are able to speak of God as “our” God and call Jesus “my” Savior that Christianity becomes more than mere ideas and is truly real for us.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Tuesday: The Last of the Acrostic Psalms

Theme: Three Important Statements
In this week’s lessons, from this last psalm of David we see that we are given a guide for how to praise God.
Scripture: Psalm 145:1-21
The nearly parallel lines in verses 1 and 2 make three statements, as we see below.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Wednesday: The Last of the Acrostic Psalms

Theme: God’s Mercy
In this week’s lessons, from this last psalm of David we see that we are given a guide for how to praise God.
Scripture: Psalm 145:1-21
It was probably his reference to God’s “goodness” in verse 7 that led the psalmist to deal with God’s grace, compassion, patience and rich love (v. 8) in stanza three (vv. 8-13a), the theme introduced by verse 8.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Monday: Praise the LORD, O My Soul

Theme: Reminding Ourselves of God’s Blessings
This week’s lessons show us that it is essential to remember God’s blessings, and how we are to praise God for all that he is and for all he has done for us.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-22

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Tuesday: Praise the LORD, O My Soul

Theme: How Should a Person Praise God?
This week’s lessons show us that it is essential to remember God’s blessings, and how we are to praise God for all that he is and for all he has done for us.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-22

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Wednesday: Praise the LORD, O My Soul

Theme: Why Should a Person Praise God?
This week’s lessons show us that it is essential to remember God’s blessings, and how we are to praise God for all that he is and for all he has done for us.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-22
Why should a person praise God? It is because of “all his benefits.” David lists what he means by God’s benefits in verses 3-5.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Thursday: Praise the LORD, O My Soul

Theme: What Is God Like?
This week’s lessons show us that it is essential to remember God’s blessings, and how we are to praise God for all that he is and for all he has done for us.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-22
As we read yesterday, we should praise God because of “all his benefits.” David lists what he means by God’s benefits in verses 3-5. Yesterday we looked at God’s gifts of the forgiveness of sins and healing. Today we continue with two more of God’s benefits.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Friday: Praise the LORD, O My Soul

Theme: Who Should Praise God?
This week’s lessons show us that it is essential to remember God’s blessings, and how we are to praise God for all that he is and for all he has done for us.
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-22

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Wednesday: Praise the LORD for Everything

Theme: God’s Care for Everything
In this week’s lessons, we are shown an abundance of reasons for which to praise the LORD.
Scripture: Psalm 147:1-20
Reflections on how God brought the exiles back from distant Babylon and reestablished them in a rebuilt Jerusalem leads the psalmist to reflect on God’s power, seen in his numbering and naming of the stars. Truly, “[God’s] understanding has no limit,” he writes (v. 5).

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Tuesday: Praise the LORD in Heaven and on Earth

Theme: Praise in the Heavens
In this week’s lessons, we see the comprehensive scope of worship—that all creation, both in heaven and on earth, is to praise the LORD.
Scripture: Psalm 148:1-14
Looking upward first, the psalmist sees two entities that he urges to praise God: the angels and the heavenly bodies. These are above man in the cosmic order, just as they are in Psalm 8 in which David looks upward to “the moon and stars” and “the heavenly beings [elohim]” (Ps. 8:3-5).

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Monday: Praise the LORD with a New Song

Theme: Singing a New Song
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance of song in worship.
Scripture: Psalm 149:1-9
We need to begin this study by thinking about singing, not performing before an audience, but the kind of singing that takes place because a person is happy and singing seems a natural way to express delight. This happens when a person sings alone, like singing in the shower. But it also happens when a person sings with other people, as Christians do in church.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Wednesday: Praise the LORD with a New Song

Theme: Singing of God as King and Savior
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance of song in worship.
Scripture: Psalm 149:1-9
The second truth about God that was a delight to the psalmist is that God is our King.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Thursday: Praise the LORD with a New Song

Theme: Victory in Spiritual Warfare
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance of song in worship.
Scripture: Psalm 149:1-9
In yesterday’s study, I concluded with the point that while Christians can serve as soldiers, they are not to try to advance the work of God by killing its enemies.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Friday: Praise the LORD with a New Song

Theme: New Songs on Earth and a New Song in Heaven
In this week’s lessons, we see the importance of song in worship.
Scripture: Psalm 149:1-9
We love the old songs, of course, just as we love the old doctrines (Jer. 6:16). But each generation has fresh lessons of God’s grace, and new experiences of God’s grace call for new songs. Israel had experienced God’s goodness in bringing the people back to their homeland and (probably) giving them a military victory. So they composed this psalm.

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Tuesday: Everybody, Praise the LORD

Theme: Where We Should Praise the LORD
In this week’s lessons, we learn how this last psalm teaches and exhorts everyone, everywhere to praise the LORD.
Scripture: Psalm 150:1-6
Where should this be done? Where should “everything that has breath” praise God? The first verse gives us a comprehensive answer. It is “in his sanctuary” and “in his mighty heavens.”

Keep Reading
The Book of Psalms

Thursday: Everybody, Praise the LORD

Theme: God-Centered and Mind-Engaging
In this week’s lessons, we learn how this last psalm teaches and exhorts everyone, everywhere to praise the LORD.
Scripture: Psalm 150:1-6
In yesterday’s study we looked at those churches that forbid the use of instruments in worship. But there is another side to this controversy as well. We look at that side in today’s study.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: The Gifts of Faith

Theme: Salvation Achieved
In this week’s lessons, we look at the three gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men.
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2
We looked at the spiritual significance of each of the three gifts given to Jesus by the wise men: gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gold for royalty, frankincense for the purity of his life, and myrrh for suffering. And yet the study would be incomplete unless I were also to take you to one other verse that bears upon the gifts of the wise men.

Keep Reading
The Book of Luke

Tuesday: The Men Who Missed Christmas

Theme: Guarding Against Distraction
In this week’s lessons, we examine people in the Christmas story who did not respond to the birth of Christ as they should have.
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
Yesterday, we concluded our study by saying that even though the birth of Christ happened so near to the innkeeper, he nevertheless missed it, apparently being too concerned about running his inn.

Keep Reading
The Book of Luke

Thursday: The Men Who Missed Christmas

Theme: The Need for Both Knowledge and Love
In this week’s lessons, we examine people in the Christmas story who did not respond to the birth of Christ as they should have.
Scripture: Luke 2:1-7
We concluded yesterday’s study with the observation that perhaps the religious leaders missed the birth of Christ because of their pride in being summoned by Herod to answer his theological question.

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Monday: No Other Doctrine

Theme: From Paul to Timothy
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the importance of sound doctrine if the church is to function properly and be protected from false teaching.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Tuesday: No Other Doctrine

Theme: Warning Against False Doctrine
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the importance of sound doctrine if the church is to function properly and be protected from false teaching.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Wednesday: No Other Doctrine

Theme: Gnosticism Then and Now
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the importance of sound doctrine if the church is to function properly and be protected from false teaching.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11
Yesterday we concluded by listing the first bad consequence of Gnosticism. We continue our study today by looking at the second consequence.

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Thursday: No Other Doctrine

Theme: Guarding Sound Doctrine
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the importance of sound doctrine if the church is to function properly and be protected from false teaching.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Friday: No Other Doctrine

Theme: Entrusting the Gospel to Others
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the importance of sound doctrine if the church is to function properly and be protected from false teaching.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Thursday: Grace to the Chief of Sinners

Theme: A Right View of Ourselves and God
In this week’s lessons, we look at how Paul viewed himself apart from Christ, and the great change that took place because of God’s mercy.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Monday: One God, One Mediator

Theme: The Heart of This Passage
In this week’s lessons, we see what it means for Jesus to be the only mediator between God and those who have sinned against him.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Tuesday: One God, One Mediator

Theme: Hostile Toward God
In this week’s lessons, we see what it means for Jesus to be the only mediator between God and those who have sinned against him.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Friday: Two Noble Tasks

Theme: The Example of Christ
In this week’s study, we look at the office of elder and deacon, and note the importance of Christian leadership, both in the church and in other callings we have received from God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Wednesday: One God, One Mediator

Theme: Jesus Christ, the Mediator
In this week’s lessons, we see what it means for Jesus to be the only mediator between God and those who have sinned against him.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Thursday: One God, One Mediator

Theme: Our Perfect Priest and Sacrifice
In this week’s lessons, we see what it means for Jesus to be the only mediator between God and those who have sinned against him.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Friday: One God, One Mediator

Theme: A Matter of Life and Death
In this week’s lessons, we see what it means for Jesus to be the only mediator between God and those who have sinned against him.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Monday: Two Noble Tasks

Theme: Christian Leaders
In this week’s study, we look at the office of elder and deacon, and note the importance of Christian leadership, both in the church and in other callings we have received from God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Tuesday: Two Noble Tasks

Theme: Servant Leadership
In this week’s study, we look at the office of elder and deacon, and note the importance of Christian leadership, both in the church and in other callings we have received from God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Wednesday: Two Noble Tasks

Theme: The Need for Deacons
In this week’s study, we look at the office of elder and deacon, and note the importance of Christian leadership, both in the church and in other callings we have received from God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Thursday: Two Noble Tasks

Theme: The Office of Elder
In this week’s study, we look at the office of elder and deacon, and note the importance of Christian leadership, both in the church and in other callings we have received from God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Monday: Pillar of God’s Truth

Theme: The Church as Pillar and Foundation
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means that the church is the pillar and foundation of God’s truth, and how we are to live as a result.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Tuesday: Pillar of God’s Truth

Theme: Pointing the World to the Truth
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means that the church is the pillar and foundation of God’s truth, and how we are to live as a result.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Wednesday: Pillar of God’s Truth

Theme: A Loss of a Foundation
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means that the church is the pillar and foundation of God’s truth, and how we are to live as a result.
Scripture:1 Timothy 3:14-16

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Thursday: Pillar of God’s Truth

Theme: Making the Truth Known
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means that the church is the pillar and foundation of God’s truth, and how we are to live as a result.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Friday: Pillar of God’s Truth

Theme: When the Heavenly Realms See the Church
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means that the church is the pillar and foundation of God’s truth, and how we are to live as a result.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Monday: Godliness: A Great Gain

Theme: Being Like God
In this week’s lessons, we see that godliness, rooted in a thorough understanding of biblical doctrine, is necessary for the Christian life.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Wednesday: Godliness: A Great Gain

Theme: Doctrine and Life
In this week’s lessons, we see that godliness, rooted in a thorough understanding of biblical doctrine, is necessary for the Christian life.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Tuesday: Godliness: A Great Gain

Theme: Two Errors to Avoid
In this week’s lessons, we see that godliness, rooted in a thorough understanding of biblical doctrine, is necessary for the Christian life.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Thursday: Godliness: A Great Gain

Theme: Three Specifics of Godliness
In this week’s lessons, we see that godliness, rooted in a thorough understanding of biblical doctrine, is necessary for the Christian life.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Friday: Godliness: A Great Gain

Theme: The Result of Godliness
In this week’s lessons, we see that godliness, rooted in a thorough understanding of biblical doctrine, is necessary for the Christian life.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Monday: The Fight of Faith

Theme: Spiritual Warfare
In this week’s lessons, we see that the Christian life is one of warfare, in which we are called to flee from unrighteousness, and pursue that which is pleasing to God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11, 12

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Tuesday: Three Enemies

Theme: Knowing Your Enemy
In this week’s lessons, we see that the Christian life is one of warfare, in which we are called to flee from unrighteousness, and pursue that which is pleasing to God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11, 12

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Wednesday: You Cannot Serve Two Masters

Theme: The Danger of Wealth
In this week’s lessons, we see that the Christian life is one of warfare, in which we are called to flee from unrighteousness, and pursue that which is pleasing to God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11, 12

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Thursday: Holy Contentment

Theme: Having Godliness with Contentment
In this week’s lessons, we see that the Christian life is one of warfare, in which we are called to flee from unrighteousness, and pursue that which is pleasing to God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11, 12

Keep Reading
The Book of 1 Timothy

Friday: Endurance For The Fight

Theme: On Not Giving Up
In this week’s lessons, we see that the Christian life is one of warfare, in which we are called to flee from unrighteousness, and pursue that which is pleasing to God.
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11, 12

Keep Reading
The Book of 2 Timothy

Monday: Faithful When It Hurts

Sermon: Faithful When It Hurts
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-3
In this week’s lessons Paul continues to encourage Timothy in his Christian life and ministry.
Theme: Strong in Grace

Keep Reading
The Book of 2 Timothy

Monday: Three More Useful Images

Theme: Three More Useful Images
In this week’s lessons, Paul reminds Timothy of those things he is to avoid, as well as those that he must practice, in order to please the Lord in his life and service.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-15

Keep Reading
The Book of 2 Timothy

Tuesday: Being a Skilled Workman

Theme: Being a Skilled Workman
In this week’s lessons, Paul reminds Timothy of those things he is to avoid, as well as those that he must practice, in order to please the Lord in his life and service.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-15

Keep Reading
The Book of 2 Timothy

Wednesday: Don’t Miss the Target

Theme: Don’t Miss the Target
In this week’s lessons, Paul reminds Timothy of those things he is to avoid, as well as those that he must practice, in order to please the Lord in his life and service.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-15

Keep Reading
The Book of 2 Timothy

Thursday: An Honorable and Clean Vessel

Theme: An Honorable and Clean Vessel
In this week’s lessons, Paul reminds Timothy of those things he is to avoid, as well as those that he must practice, in order to please the Lord in his life and service.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-15

Keep Reading
The Book of 2 Timothy

Friday: Faithful Servants

Theme: Faithful Servants
In this week’s lessons, Paul reminds Timothy of those things he is to avoid, as well as those that he must practice, in order to please the Lord in his life and service.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:14-15

Keep Reading
The Book of 2 Timothy

Monday: The Last Days

Theme: The Last Days
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to continue in those things we have learned from Scripture, in order to live a holy life.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: Religious Externals Only

Theme: Religious Externals Only
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to continue in those things we have learned from Scripture, in order to live a holy life.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
The second part of this section is the one I’ve already mentioned about having a form of godliness but denying its power. This refers to those who practice the externals of religion, but who show no evidence of being born again. How many people are there like that? Sometimes that even seems to characterize churches.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Continue in What You Have Learned

Theme: Continue in What You Have Learned
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to continue in those things we have learned from Scripture, in order to live a holy life.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
In the third part of this first section (vv. 1-9) we see how these people with only a mere form of godliness nevertheless display a great zeal. As Paul writes in verses 6-9,

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: The Sufficiency of Scripture

Theme: The Sufficiency of Scripture
In this week’s lessons, we are reminded of the need to continue in those things we have learned from Scripture, in order to live a holy life.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: The Most Important Charge of All

Sermon: The Apostle’s Last Words
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-22
In this week’s study, we consider Paul’s final words to Timothy, and learn valuable lessons for our own life and ministry.
Theme: The Most Important Charge of All

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: In Season and Out of Season

Sermon: The Apostle’s Last Words
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-22
In this week’s study, we consider Paul’s final words to Timothy, and learn valuable lessons for our own life and ministry.
Theme: In Season and Out of Season
Yesterday, we looked at what Timothy was to do, which was to preach the gospel. Today, we consider how Timothy should preach the gospel.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: Two Great Encouragements

Sermon: The Apostle’s Last Words
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-22
In this week’s study, we consider Paul’s final words to Timothy, and learn valuable lessons for our own life and ministry.
Theme:Two Great Encouragements

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Encouragement from the Apostle

Sermon: The Apostle’s Last Words
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-22
In this week’s study, we consider Paul’s final words to Timothy, and learn valuable lessons for our own life and ministry.
Theme: Encouragement from the Apostle

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Faithful to the End

Sermon: The Apostle’s Last Words
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-22
In this week’s study, we consider Paul’s final words to Timothy, and learn valuable lessons for our own life and ministry.
Theme: Faithful to the End

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday:The Resurrection and Jesus’ Enemies

Sermon: Rewards Instead of Punishment
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-15
In this week’s Easter lessons, we note the contrast between Jesus’ enemies and friends concerning the resurrection, and the price worth paying to be a witness to Christ.
Theme: The Resurrection and Jesus’ Enemies

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: When Unbelief is Rewarded

Sermon: Rewards Instead of Punishment
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-15
In this week’s Easter lessons, we note the contrast between Jesus’ enemies and friends concerning the resurrection, and the price worth paying to be a witness to Christ.
Theme: When Unbelief Is Rewarded

Keep Reading

Wednesday: A Bizarre Idea

Sermon: Rewards Instead of Punishment
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-15
In this week’s Easter lessons, we note the contrast between Jesus’ enemies and friends concerning the resurrection, and the price worth paying to be a witness to Christ.
Theme: A Bizarre Idea

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: The Reaction of Jesus’ Friends

Sermon: Rewards Instead of Punishment
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-15
In this week’s Easter lessons, we note the contrast between Jesus’ enemies and friends concerning the resurrection, and the price worth paying to be a witness to Christ.
Theme: The Reaction of Jesus’ Friends

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Waiting for the Great Reversal

Sermon: Rewards Instead of Punishment
Scripture: Matthew 28:11-15
In this week’s Easter lessons, we note the contrast between Jesus’ enemies and friends concerning the resurrection, and the price worth paying to be a witness to Christ.
Theme: Waiting for the Great Reversal

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: The Need for New Life

Sermon: The Greatest Sermon
Scripture: Matthew 5-7
In this week’s lessons we introduce our new series on the Sermon on the Mount, and see its significance for our Christian lives.
Theme: The Need for New Life

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: The Other Extreme

Sermon: The Greatest Sermon
Scripture: Matthew 5-7
In this week’s lessons we introduce our new series on the Sermon on the Mount, and see its significance for our Christian lives.
Theme: The Other Extreme

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Our Privilege of Pleasing Christ

Sermon: The Greatest Sermon
Scripture: Matthew 5-7
In this week’s lessons we introduce our new series on the Sermon on the Mount, and see its significance for our Christian lives.
Theme: Our Privilege of Pleasing Christ

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: The Kingdom of Heaven

Sermon: The New Humanity
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16
In this week’s lessons, we see in the Beatitudes the standard of morality that Jesus sets forth for all who claim to belong to him.
Theme: The Kingdom of Heaven

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: The Meaning of Blessed

Sermon: The New Humanity
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16
In this week’s lessons, we see in the Beatitudes the standard of morality that Jesus sets forth for all who claim to belong to him.
Theme: The Meaning of Blessed

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: A Christian’s Inner Character

Sermon: The New Humanity
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16
In this week’s lessons, we see in the Beatitudes the standard of morality that Jesus sets forth for all who claim to belong to him.
Theme: A Christian’s Inner Character

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: The Blessing of Persecution

Sermon: The New Humanity
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16
In this week’s lessons, we see in the Beatitudes the standard of morality that Jesus sets forth for all who claim to belong to him.
Theme: The Blessing of Persecution

Keep Reading

Monday: Poverty of Spirit

Sermon: How to Inherit God’s Kingdom
Scripture: Matthew 5:3
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to be poor in spirit.
Theme: Poverty of Spirit

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: First Principles

Sermon: How to Inherit God’s Kingdom
Scripture: Matthew 5:3
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to be poor in spirit.
Theme: First Principles

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Empty Vessels

Sermon: How to Inherit God’s Kingdom
Scripture: Matthew 5:3
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to be poor in spirit.
Theme: Empty Vessels
The second great principle suggested by Matthew 5:3 is that there must be an emptying in our lives before there can be a filling. We must become poor in spirit before we can become rich in God’s spiritual blessings. The old wine must be poured out of the wineskins before the new wine can be poured in.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Confronted by God

Sermon: How to Inherit God’s Kingdom
Scripture: Matthew 5:3
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to be poor in spirit.
Theme: Confronted by God

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: Caring for Others

Sermon: Life on Wings
Scripture: Matthew 5:4
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to mourn for our sin, and the comfort that Jesus promises.
Theme: Caring for Others
Now, it is evident that in this, as in the other Beatitudes, Jesus is dealing with a spiritual principle, a spiritual mourning, and not merely with things as seen from a purely human standpoint.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: Mourning for Sin

Sermon: Life on Wings
Scripture: Matthew 5:4
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to mourn for our sin, and the comfort that Jesus promises.
Theme: Mourning for Sin

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Christ’s Comfort

Sermon: Life on Wings
Scripture: Matthew 5:4
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to mourn for our sin, and the comfort that Jesus promises.
Theme: Christ’s Comfort

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Deliverance in the End

Sermon: Life on Wings
Scripture: Matthew 5:4
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means to mourn for our sin, and the comfort that Jesus promises.
Theme: Deliverance in the End
Then, too, the deliverance of Jesus Christ also means a deliverance from present sin and from its power. If you are a Christian, Christ lives in you through his Holy Spirit. You are united to Christ, and you are united to him in order to make a victorious, triumphant life possible.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: A Difficult Statement

Sermon: Blessed are the Meek
Scripture: Matthew 5:5
In this week’s lessons, we discover how the Bible defines meekness, and what is promised to those who possess it.
Theme: A Difficult Statement

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: What is Meekness?

Sermon: Blessed are the Meek
Scripture: Matthew 5:5
In this week’s lessons, we discover how the Bible defines meekness, and what is promised to those who possess it.
Theme: What Is Meekness?

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: The Meekest Man

Sermon: Blessed are the Meek
Scripture: Matthew 5:5
In this week’s lessons, we discover how the Bible defines meekness, and what is promised to those who possess it.
Theme: The Meekest Man

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: To Inherit the Earth

Sermon: Blessed are the Meek
Scripture: Matthew 5:5
In this week’s lessons, we discover how the Bible defines meekness, and what is promised to those who possess it.
Theme: To Inherit the Earth

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: True Righteousness

Sermon: Guaranteed Satisfaction
Scripture: Matthew 5:6
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to hunger and thirst after righteousness, which only God through Christ can fully satisfy.
Theme: True Righteousness

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: A Perfect Righteousness

Sermon: Guaranteed Satisfaction
Scripture: Matthew 5:6
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to hunger and thirst after righteousness, which only God through Christ can fully satisfy.
Theme: A Perfect Righteousness

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Hunger and Thirst

Sermon: Guaranteed Satisfaction
Scripture: Matthew 5:6
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to hunger and thirst after righteousness, which only God through Christ can fully satisfy.
Theme: Hunger and Thirst

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Christ, Our Satisfaction

Sermon: Guaranteed Satisfaction
Scripture: Matthew 5:6
In this week’s lessons, we learn of our need to hunger and thirst after righteousness, which only God through Christ can fully satisfy.
Theme: Christ, Our Satisfaction
Now the conclusion of this study is that where there is this desire for righteousness there will be filling, and the filling will be a filling with Christ.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: A Turning Point

Sermon: Three Virtues
Scripture: Matthew 5:7-9
In this week’s lessons we look at three beatitudes that describe our Christian character, which other people must observe and experience.
Theme: A Turning Point

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: The Quality of Mercy

Sermon: Three Virtues
Scripture: Matthew 5:7-9
In this week’s lessons we look at three beatitudes that describe our Christian character, which other people must observe and experience.
Theme: The Quality of Mercy

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: Which Comes First?

Sermon: Three Virtues
Scripture: Matthew 5:7-9
In this week’s lessons we look at three beatitudes that describe our Christian character, which other people must observe and experience.
Theme: Which Comes First?
In yesterday’s devotional we said that mercy is grace in action, love reaching out to help those who are helpless and need salvation. Mercy identifies with the miserable in their misery.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Purity of Heart

Sermon: Three Virtues
Scripture: Matthew 5:7-9
In this week’s lessons we look at three beatitudes that describe our Christian character, which other people must observe and experience.
Theme: Purity of Heart

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Peacemakers for Christ

Sermon: Three Virtues
Scripture: Matthew 5:7-9
In this week’s lessons we look at three beatitudes that describe our Christian character, which other people must observe and experience.
Theme: Peacemakers for Christ

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: Persecution Inevitable

Sermon: Persecuted for Christ
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
In this week’s lessons, we learn that persecution is to be expected when we live a distinctively Christian life after the pattern of our Lord.
Theme: Persecution Inevitable

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: The Biblical Pattern

Sermon: Persecuted for Christ
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
In this week’s lessons, we learn that persecution is to be expected when we live a distinctively Christian life after the pattern of our Lord.
Theme: The Biblical Pattern
We said in yesterday’s study that the natural implication of the wording of this beatitude is that the one who reflects Christian character will be persecuted.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: For Righteousness’ Sake

Sermon: Persecuted for Christ
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
In this week’s lessons, we learn that persecution is to be expected when we live a distinctively Christian life after the pattern of our Lord.
Theme: For Righteousness’ Sake
Thus, there is no promise of happiness for those who are persecuted for being a nuisance, for Christians who have shown themselves to be objectionable, difficult, foolish, and insulting to their non-Christian friends. This is not the thing about which Christ was speaking.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Persecuted for Being Like Christ

Sermon: Persecuted for Christ
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
In this week’s lessons, we learn that persecution is to be expected when we live a distinctively Christian life after the pattern of our Lord.
Theme: Persecuted for Being Like Christ

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Happiness Through Persecution

Sermon: Persecuted for Christ
Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12
In this week’s lessons, we learn that persecution is to be expected when we live a distinctively Christian life after the pattern of our Lord.
Theme: Happiness Through Persecution

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: Knowledge

Sermon: Rejoice in Persecutions
Scripture: Matthew 5:12
In this week’s lessons, we learn what is necessary in order to rejoice in persecution.
Theme: Knowledge

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: Purification

Sermon: Rejoice in Persecutions
Scripture: Matthew 5:12
In this week’s lessons, we learn what is necessary in order to rejoice in persecution.
Theme: Purification
The second part of a Christian knowledge that will help him to rejoice in persecution is the knowledge that God often uses persecution to perfect the believer. In the great wisdom of God persecution is often the means by which the Christian is helped along the road to practical holiness and thereby made a little more like Jesus.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: Identity with Christ

Sermon: Rejoice in Persecutions
Scripture: Matthew 5:12
In this week’s lessons, we learn what is necessary in order to rejoice in persecution.
Theme: Identity with Christ
In yesterday’s study, we concluded that in trying to respond rightly to persecution, you cannot trust your own feelings.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Rewards in Heaven

Sermon: Rejoice in Persecutions
Scripture: Matthew 5:12
In this week’s lessons, we learn what is necessary in order to rejoice in persecution.
Theme: Rewards in Heaven

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: From Abstract to Function

Sermon: Do You Make Men Thirsty?
Scripture: Matthew 5:13
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means for a Christian to live for Christ in the world.
Theme: From Abstract to Function

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: A Decaying World

Sermon: Do You Make Men Thirsty?
Scripture: Matthew 5:13
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means for a Christian to live for Christ in the world.
Theme: A Decaying World

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: Uses of Salt

Sermon: Do You Make Men Thirsty?
Scripture: Matthew 5:13
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means for a Christian to live for Christ in the world.
Theme: Uses of Salt
All of this falls into much clearer focus when we consider the actual uses of salt, particularly those that were most valued in ancient times.

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Source of Flavor

Sermon: Do You Make Men Thirsty?
Scripture: Matthew 5:13
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means for a Christian to live for Christ in the world.
Theme: Source of Flavor

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: A Common Substance

Sermon: Do You Make Men Thirsty?
Scripture: Matthew 5:13
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means for a Christian to live for Christ in the world.
Theme: A Common Substance

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: A Darkened World

Sermon: Light of the World
Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16
In this week’s lessons we learn that as Jesus is the light of the world, so he calls us to be lights as well.
Theme: A Darkened World

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: Christ the Light

Sermon: Light of the World
Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16
In this week’s lessons we learn that as Jesus is the light of the world, so he calls us to be lights as well.
Theme: Christ the Light
Now it was the particular achievement of Jesus Christ that he exposed the nature of the darkness in a way that had never been done previously. And of course, men hated him for it. One commentator has written:

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Wednesday: “Ye Are the Light”

Sermon: Light of the World
Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16
In this week’s lessons we learn that as Jesus is the light of the world, so he calls us to be lights as well.
Theme: “Ye Are the Light”

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Turning Toward the Light

Sermon: Light of the World
Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16
In this week’s lessons we learn that as Jesus is the light of the world, so he calls us to be lights as well.
Theme: Turning Toward the Light

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Walk in the Light

Sermon: Light of the World
Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16
In this week’s lessons we learn that as Jesus is the light of the world, so he calls us to be lights as well.
Theme: Walk in the Light

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: Jesus and the Bible

Sermon: Christ and the Scriptures
Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20
In this week’s lessons, we see what Jesus’ view of Scripture was and how he used it in his ministry.
Theme: Jesus and the Bible

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Tuesday: Absolute Authority

Sermon: Christ and the Scriptures
Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20
In this week’s lessons, we see what Jesus’ view of Scripture was and how he used it in his ministry.
Theme: Absolute Authority

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Thursday: Fulfillment of Scripture

Sermon: Christ and the Scriptures
Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20
In this week’s lessons, we see what Jesus’ view of Scripture was and how he used it in his ministry.
Theme: Fulfillment of Scripture

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Friday: Allegiance to Scripture

Sermon: Christ and the Scriptures
Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20
In this week’s lessons, we see what Jesus’ view of Scripture was and how he used it in his ministry.
Theme: Allegiance to Scripture

Keep Reading
The Book of Matthew

Monday: Christ and the Law

Sermon: Christ Fulfills the Scriptures
Scripture: Matthew 5:17
In this week’s lessons, we learn what it means that Jesus fulfilled what was written in the law and the prophets.
Theme: Christ and the Law

Keep Reading

Subscribe to the Think & Act Biblically Devotional

Alliance of Confessional Evangelicals

About the Alliance

The Alliance is a coalition of believers who hold to the historic creeds and confessions of the Reformed faith and proclaim biblical doctrine in order to foster a Reformed awakening in today’s Church.

Canadian Donors

Canadian Committee of The Bible Study Hour
PO Box 24087, RPO Josephine
North Bay, ON, P1B 0C7