Simply Gospel

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

  • Christianity & Self Control

    Opening in Proverbs 25, the author makes several comparisons through this chapter, like in verses 11, 14, and 28. It is this last comparison we are going to be examining in this lesson, in which the author brings up the subject of self control – comparing such an individual to an ancient city lacking its defensive walls. Without self control, our defense against temptation and sin is what is at stake. We are vulnerable, unrestrained, and volatile if our lives lack this quality. In Galatians 5, as Paul has encouraged his readers to walk by the spirit, he contrasts this… Continue reading

  • A Quick Gospel Primer

    In John 19:19, we read about Pilate’s proclamation on Jesus’ cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” It was recorded in Hebrew (the language of the land), Latin (the language of nobility), and Greek (the language of the masses). In a similar manner, we have four accounts of Christ’s life recorded in our Bibles, and, like the three languages of Pilate’s marker, each gospel communicates a consistent but unique view of Christ’s life and ministry. Matthew’s gospel, for example, is geared toward a Jewish audience. Mark seems to cater to a more Roman audience while Luke’s record is… Continue reading

  • Soldiers & the Gospel

    As we study the life of Christ, we study his interaction with various individuals – children, the sick and needy, the woman at the well, the scribes and the Pharisees. This lesson is going to focus on some soldiers in the New Testament and how they responded to Christ or his message. Four Soldiers and Christ A centurion and his servant. In Matthew 8:5-11, we have recorded a centurion who pleads to Jesus on behalf of a servant. However, he does not ask Jesus to come to the servant, expressing faith that Jesus is capable of healing this servant without… Continue reading

  • From Death to Life

    During this time of year, it’s common for congregations to talk about the resurrection and the meaning it has for us. This topic is central to our Christian theology.  Romans 4:17 calls this power of resurrection as unique to deity, and, if we say we believe in the message and life of Christ, then we accept the resurrection of Christ by faith. It is proof of God’s power, and it is offered as proof of our own future resurrection in I Thessalonians 4:17-18 and I Corinthians 15:16 and on. Life from Death For the resurrection to happen, Jesus first had… Continue reading

  • The Gospel in Five “Seconds”

    In this lesson, we are going to look at five seconds that are part of the gospel message – the second covenant, the second, birth, the second coming, the second death, and a second chance. Five Seconds The Second Covenant In II Corinthians 6:15-16, the question is asked what God has in common with idol, and, in this, the author emphasizes the covenant relationship God wishes to have with His people. The first covenant is recorded in Exodus 19-20, but Hebrews 8:6 begins speaking of a better second covenant. The authors conclusion in Hebrews 8:13 is that the previous is… Continue reading

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  • Temples of God

    In studying the Old Testament, one cannot ignore the role of and the importance of the temple. From David’s desire to build a temple, to the temple of Solomon, to its destruction, to the efforts to rebuild that temple. In I Corinthians, the temple is referred to but it is used two different ways: our body as God’s temple and the church as God’s temple of the New Testament. The Temple of Our Bodies In I Corinthians 6, Paul reminds those reading of the backgrounds the shared. In verse 12, he appeals to a mindset that anything sanctioned by government… Continue reading

  • Finding Our Spiritual Way

    When we are lost, we need a way to find our bearings, and this often comes from simply asking for directions. Combine this with technologies that allow us to map out trips or even tell us directions while we are driving (MapQuest, OnStar, a compass), and we are likely to find our way. Even with these – directional instruments and instructions – we need a willingness to follow those directions to find our way. Our Spiritual Way God’s word is our compass. In Psalm 119:105 described God’s word as something that lights our path. In verse 89, His word is… Continue reading

  • The Inward Struggle

    In Romans chapters 7-8, there are some verses that can be very challenging to us as Christians. Beginning in Romans 7:15, Paul expresses an idea that he does not understand his own actions and that he follows behaviors that go against his desire. He is describing a struggle between good and evil within himself, and we are going to look at that struggle as it applies to our own lives. The Struggle Against Evil This struggle is real. Many Christians seem afraid to admit that they struggle against sin. We think that a “real Christian” should not have to struggle,… Continue reading

  • New Ground

    Many of us are resistant to change in general. We like the patterns and the habits we live in, and we resist efforts to shake things up. Though we may feel opposed to change, the Christian life is all about changing. Our priorities, our speech, our priorities – all aspects of our lives change when we put on the name of Christ. We then continue to change as we develop spiritually and face new challenges in our Christian lives. In Joshua 3, the people of Israel is about to cross the Jordan River. They have a new leader and are… Continue reading

  • Jesus at the Pool

    In John 5, we read the story of a paralyzed man healed by Jesus. He is pictured as waiting by the pool of Bethesda (from beth zeda – house of mercy) on the Sabbath, waiting for a chance to be miraculously healed. This pool would have several injured and people gathered around, and numerous individuals would wait for a chance to enter the pool and be healed. Unfortunately, because his legs are useless, other individuals consistently make it to the pool first, but Jesus takes pity on him and heals him. In this lesson, we’re going to take a look… Continue reading

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