Simply Gospel

May my steps be worship. May my thoughts be praise.

  • 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. He concludes this admonition by calling those who feel confidant in themselves to beware lest they fall. We can certainly say that we would want to avoid these temptations, and, among the sins of idolatry and lust, Paul cites grumbling as a shortcoming of physical… Continue reading

  • 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 is room for the individual contributions each of us can make. In this lesson, we’re going to look at four individuals who might have been considered insignificant but had great impacts for God’s cause. Small Examples of Significance Luke 19 introduces us to Zacchaeus. He… Continue reading

  • 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 how we can apply them in our own lives. David Facing the Giant David displays faith when encountering the threat of Goliath. The military had withdrawn from facing the giant. I Samuel 17:34-37 recounts David making his case to King Saul, and, in this, he… Continue reading

  • 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 in our own lives. In Judges 13, we read of Manoah whose wife is unable to bear children, but they are promised a child with the condition that he would be a Nazarite, separated to God by an oath. Despite this, sin would deceive him,… Continue reading

  • 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 is an extension of him. To disrespect his card disrespects him. In this context, let’s discuss the respect we have for the name we wear, the label we identify with and that serves as an extension of our selves. Wearing the name Christian means recognizing… Continue reading

  • 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 Jochebed. The Examples of Sarah and Jochebed In Hebrews 11:11, the author of this book praises Sarah’s faith that He could deliver her a son. This story is recounted in Genesis We see how, at first, Sarah laughs at the thought of bearing a child,… Continue reading

  • 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 to God. Our efforts are not to glorify ourselves, but our lights should shine regardless of where we are. Specific Points of Light What does our clothing say about who we are. Whether justified or not, we and others often make snap decisions about people… Continue reading

  • 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 refers to the winds of doctrine tossing congregations about as boats in a storm. Spiritually, we can easily be blown off course if we are not anchored in God’s truth. In I Timothy 4, Paul cites these false doctrine as coming from men who are… Continue reading

  • 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 go as far as we are willing and then some. This demonstrates our efforts in emulating our Lord. Our God and the Second Mile What if God had been unwilling to go “the second mile?” In Genesis 1 and 2, God prepares a paradise for… Continue reading

  • 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 Absalom planning a rebellion to usurp the throne from his father David, who flees for a time. However, in chapter 17, David’s forces combat Absalom’s, and Absalom dies in this battle. However, all is not yet well, and a man named Sheba leads a rebellion… Continue reading