Category: News

In a message titled, SHARING EFFECTIVELY, we left the introductory salutation of Paul’s letter and looked at his opening prayer and thanksgiving for Philemon (see Philemon vv. 4-7).

Paul “always” gave thanks to God for Philemon in his regular prayers- for his “love and faith… toward the Lord Jesus and…all” believers (vv. 4-5).

Paul heard of Philemon’s exemplary testimony from brothers like Epaphras from far away- even while chained up in Rome (v. 1, 9; Col.… Continue reading

In a message titled, THE GODLY MOTHER (Prov. 31:10-31), we thanked God for His gift of mothers to us (Prov. 18:22; James 1:17). All mothers are to be honored by virtue of who God made them to be and the example of His undying love they reflect (Gen. 1:27b; Isa. 49:15, etc.). How much more should mothers who “fear the Lord” be honored! (Prov. 31:10, 30)

The word “virtuous” (Heb. ḥayil) can also mean “capable” or “valor” in battle (Prov.… Continue reading

In a message titled, PAUL, A PRISONER OF CHRIST JESUS (Philemon vv. 1-3), we began Paul’s smallest letter in the Bible- the book of Philemon. Paul wrote this work during his first Roman imprisonment, along with his letters to the Colossian, Ephesian, and Philippian churches (Col. 4:10; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:13; 2:23-24; Phile 22; Rev. 1:9, etc.).

However, in this heartfelt request, Paul corresponded not to a church but with an individual (i.e. the “you” is singular in verses 4, 6-8, 10-12, 16, 18-21, and 23).… Continue reading

Today we finished our series in Galatians with a message titled, GRACE- PEACE AND MERCY (Gal 6:16-18). Who has “peace and mercy” with God? (Gal. 6:16). Judicially, we know it is all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior (John 14:6; Rom. 3:24-25; 1 John 2:2, etc.) to include both Gentile believers (i.e. the “them” of Gal. 6:16) “and… the Israel of God,” that is, also Jewish believers in Galatia (e.g. Gal.… Continue reading

In our message, GLORY TO GOD (Gal. 6:11-15), Paul grabs the pen from his scribe to end this letter with his “own hand” (Gal. 6:11). Some scholars believe the “large letters” Paul wrote with were because of poor eyesight (Gal. 4:13-15), but it is also probable he wrote with large font (all-caps) in a final attempt to reach the audience he cared about so much.

When does God message us in ALL CAPS? (Gal. 1:6-9; 2:21; 3:1, 3; 4:30; 5:1, 7-8, 13, 16-18, 21, 25; 6:5, 7-9, etc.)… Continue reading

In a message titled, ACCOUNTABILITY, ENDURANCE, AND DOING GOOD (Gal. 6:7-10), the Holy Spirit warns Christians one last time in the book of Galatians about the perils of walking in the flesh. The audience has not changed (Gal 1:2-3; 3:2; 4:14-15, 28, 31; 5:1, 7, 16-21, etc.). Sin is deceitful, and God warns His children here “not [to] be deceived” (Gal. 6:7a). “God is not mocked” (Gal. 6:7a; Rom. 7:18; Eph. 4:22-24; Col. 3:8-9; 1 Cor.… Continue reading

In our Easter Sunday sermon titled, JOHN’S PERSONAL TESTIMONY, we see the Apostle John’s eyewitness account as to how he first came to believe Jesus had risen from the dead (John 20:1-10). The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is what Easter is all about, and it is also central to the Gospel itself, which states, “…Christ died for our sins… was buried, and… rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor.… Continue reading