Simply Gospel

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

  • Planned Parenthood

    This is not an examination of what the world’s concept of “planned parenthood” is, but rather we will examine what God’s word has to say about being a parent. We will study on how to be godly parents. Only about 60% of children (according to one study) raised as a Christian follow that example when they begin families of their own. Planning to Be a Godly Parent We must plan to love our children. This is the type of love that will make us do everything in our power to make sure that our child not only has a good… Continue reading

  • Involvement

    This lesson opens in Joshua 24. Here, in light of the new year, we are going to direct our thoughts toward the topic of involvement. In Joshua 24, Joshua challenges the people to make a choice regarding their involvement with God. In verse 14 and on, he encourages them to put away the idols of other countries, but he reinforces the fact that the choice is theirs and theirs alone. In this context, the people agree to serve God, but Joshua warns them of their likely disobedience. The people do commit, though, and this generation is described as one that… Continue reading

  • Unity & Corinth Part 5: Application

    We are going to be concluding our study on Corinth in the context of love and unity with this lesson. We have examined a congregation that has demonstrated selfishness and arrogance in the attitudes of many of its members; we have examined the topic of love and how Christian love affect our behavior to others; and we have looked at the topic of spiritual gifts and their conclusion with the completion of New Testament revelation. I Corinthians 14:37 – We are going to make application of these chapters in our efforts to be stronger in our spirituality. This lesson is… Continue reading

    ,

  • Unity & Corinth Part 4: Understanding “Tongues”

    In these chapters, we sometimes tend to pass over some of these passages and note that some of these verses do not apply to us anymore. We’ve gone over I Corinthians 12-14, looking at what we can learn from these chapters, and, in this lesson, we are going to look at the nature of spiritual gifts, look at their purpose, and examine what the “partial” and the “perfect” are from this passage. The Nature of Gifts In I Corinthians 12:8, many of the spiritual gifts are specifically named (in context of 12:1). These are grace gifts, bestowed by the Spirit.… Continue reading

    ,

  • Unity & Corinth Part 3: Christian Love

    In the previous lesson, we spoke of love as a more excellent way to spirituality and unity within the church of Christ. Remember, all can posses and share love; love will never pass away, even in Heaven; and love demonstrates true Christianity. In this lesson, we are going to pay close attention to I Corinthians 13:4-7 and how we can apply these qualities to the love we are to have for each other as Christians. Complete Christian Love How important is love? In, Matthew 22:35, Jesus is asked about the greatest of the laws, and Jesus points to loving God… Continue reading

    ,

  • Unity & Corinth Part 2: A More Excellent Way

    This lesson continues our study of the church at Corinth and the topics of unity, love, and spiritual gifts. The previous lesson provided a cultural backdrop the this church and how society shaped the attitudes and values of the Christians in Corinth, and Paul appeals to the knowledge these individuals think they have ten times in chapters twelve through fourteen of this epistle while encouraging them to become more spiritually minded and more united in their conduct. Disunity & Worship The attitudes of superiority and class consciousness affected their worship. Paul addresses their “coming together” five times in chapter eleven.… Continue reading

    ,

  • Unity & Corinth Part 1: Background

    We are products of the society we live in. What we are entertained by, what we wear, what we eat – these are all aspects that are influenced by society. This fact influences the Christians in Corinth, and that society shapes the church written to by Paul. The City of Corinth Corinth was a sea port and center of trade. Many classes and nationalities mingled there with great wealth and poverty existing side by side. Class envy was very apparent, complete with the crime and the tensions that are a part of this atmosphere. Amidst this, there was a fascination… Continue reading

  • Conduct Review

    What do your friends say about you? We would like to think our friends and our acquaintances would have a positive or favorable picture of us. On the other hand, what would your enemies say about you? In the life of David, it is interesting how he treated and what he would say regarding his enemies – take Saul, Ishbosheth, and Abner for example. In this lesson, we are going to focus on the life of Christ and what His peers said about Him. Peer Reviews of Christ In Speech: John 7:37-44. Jesus rouses some controversy with claims He makes… Continue reading

    ,

  • Thoughts On ID

    People who believe in intelligent design are complete idiots. At least that is what many journalists, lawyers, educators, and proponents of creation through evolution want to portray. It takes massive amounts of intellect to comprehend to wonders of nature and how it all came to exist as a result of dumb luck with no reproducible cause. On the other hand, any simpleton can believe in a God. Really, if God is removed from the equation, what more reasonable explanation can we come up with? A random explosion? What caused it? What put those forces in motion to lead up to… Continue reading

    ,

  • Why Be Baptized?

    When studying the Bible, often the question comes up, “Why must I be baptized?” God knows our hearts; He knows if we truly believe or not, so why must one go through the process of baptism? Reasons for Baptism Because It Is Commanded. In Matthew 28:18-19, the apostles are commanded to make disciples by baptizing people who believe. If one is to follow Christ, baptism is a commanded step to conform with. This is emphasized in Mark 16:15-16 as well. Here belief and baptism are tied together. Acts 2 marks the beginning of Christ’s church, and the people wonder what… Continue reading