Robert Smelser
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Discouragement Through Grumbling
We are familiar with the first several verses of I Corinthians 10 where Paul draws parallels between the events of the Old Testament and the kingdom of the New. He states that the events of the Old Testament serve as examples to us, teaching us to avoid the same temptations into which those forerunners fell.… Continue reading
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The Small Things
Where do I fit into the work of the church? I might look at what others are contributing and think, “I can’t do that,” “I don’t have the resources of that person,” and I might talk myself out doing what I can after comparing myself to others. We might be unable to see where there… Continue reading
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Facing Giants
I Samuel 17 retells the events of David facing Goliath, and, in this conflict, David exhibits four qualities we can emulate when we face giants in our own lives. These giants may not be as obvious or as aggressive, but they provide a threat to our spiritual survival, so let’s look at these qualities and… Continue reading
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Samson and Our Temptations
We deal with temptation and sin in our daily lives, and, in this lesson, we’re going to look at Samson as an example. He’s an individual we may be able to relate to, for, while he is referred to as a hero of faith and a judge of Israel, his struggles and flaws are identifiable… Continue reading
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Respecting Our Name
Many of us use business cards to identify who we are and what we do. They serve to help us remind people of us when they have need for a specific service. In Japan, one treats a business card with respect and honor because the businessman tries to conduct himself with respect and honor. It… Continue reading
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Two Godly Women
With Mother’s Day being celebrated today, one thinks of I Peter 3:5-6 which refers to godly women as daughters of Sarah. We emphasize that we are sons of a King, and Sarah’s name means “princess.” In this lesson, let’s look at two godly women who made an impact on those around them – Sarah and… Continue reading
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Letting Your Light Shine
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus speaks of His followers in terms of light – light that is visible to others in the good works they demonstrate. Light guides us in the darkness. Lights line our streets at night. Lights help guide airplane pilots in landing. Light draws attention. Our light should draw attention and guide others… Continue reading
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The Winds of Doctrine
In the first couple of verses of I Timothy 4, Paul warns the young preacher that hypocrisy and falsehood will begin to lead people away from the gospel. Keeping this in mind, Ephesians 4:11-14 speaks of the need for teachers and leaders who will help the church stand against the dangers of false teachings. He… Continue reading
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Going the Second Mile
We are usually willing to help others, but we are seldom willing to inconvenience one’s self or give something important up in doing so. Jesus talks about this principle in Matthew 5:38-48, calling on us, as children of God (verse 45), to go an extra mile and giving of ourselves in helping others. We should… Continue reading
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Brother Against Brother
In the Middle East, “tells” are large mounds of hill-sized dirt across the landscape that are the remains of ancient cities built upon each other. One of these mounds is identified as Abel Beth-maacah, and this city is going to figure into our study. David, Absalom, and Sheba In II Samuel 15 we read of… Continue reading
Simply Gospel 