Knowing the Bible for Yourself (Pt. 5)

Having examined some of the key principles for interpreting the New Testament Epistles in the last teaching session, we seek in this teaching to put these principles into practice.

Join us as we take an exegetical walk through the first four chapters of Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians, covering the first major theme – Divisions in the Church.  By studying the Epistle in this way, it allows us to give a practical example of the effectiveness of studying the Epistles thematically and will hopefully allow us to see how the verses and chapters connect with each other as part of this wider theme.

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John 3: 1-7

When we think of the great historic doctrines of the Christian faith—in particular, those that fall under the broader umbrella of “Soteriology” (the study of salvation), seated in their midst must surely be the glorious doctrine of Regeneration.  In the days of Popish pomp and rule, it was the doctrine of Justification that was heralded and championed by the Reformers.  Rome had for a millennium, hoodwinked the masses under a false system of works, masquerading as grace. The Reformers said NO!!  Man is not justified in the sight of God by human achievement—he’ll never work his way to heaven; the only way he’ll ever get there is by the grace of God alone, through faith alone apart from human merit. 

In this our day, it is the doctrine of regeneration that so desperately needs to be rediscovered and heralded from every pulpit in the land.  For many, becoming a Christian is nothing more than joining a Church and having one’s name inscribed on a roll call of membership. I’ve known people, near and dear to me who called themselves Christians because they were made wet with water; yet when I looked for visible fruits of life, I found none!  What saith the Lord Jesus Christ?  “Ye must be born again” (Jn. 3:7).

1 Samuel 15:16-17

Nothing (I believe) so moves the heart of our Heavenly Father more than humility.  Consider with me, a verse found in Isaiah 57.  “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Is. 57:15).  Like a magnet pulled with force towards a lump of rusty iron, it readily passes by the gold and the silver (it’s unattracted by them); so our God is drawn towards humility.

In this sermon, we survey the lives of those whom God had called and used, and we note the downfall of some, who though pride fell from their former standing.  May we every sense our need for God and in His lifting up of our position, let us remain in a place of humility.

Knowing the Bible for Yourself (Pt. 4)

When we speak of an epistle, we mean by this a letter.  The English word for epistle comes from the Greek word “epistolē” which means a written message.  There are 21 such Epistles found within the Bible which comprise a third of the whole New Testament.  The New Testament Epistles are vital to the Believer in Christ because they contain the doctrines which he/she is to live by! 

In this teaching, we examine some of the key principles for interpreting the New Testament Epistles.

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Matthew 13:44

The Parables of the Kingdom are among some of the finest parables given by our Lord in all that He spoke.  The Jewish people of His day looked for a kingdom that was coming in power and a king ruling on a physical throne in a physical location.  The King had indeed come into their midst bringing with Him a kingdom of power, yet this kingdom was one that was to be established in the hearts of men! 

This sermon takes a look at these kingdom parables and in particular, the Parable of the Hidden Treasure.  May the Lord stir our hearts and may we meet Him again with passion and zeal, reviving our first-love love for Jesus our King!!  

John 14:1-3

Pastor Jason Wright delivers a very timely word, straight from the Bible, relating to the need in this perilous hour for every believer to have an upper room in their life.  A time where we can draw away from the many voices to hear from God.

May you be encouraged by this much-needed message.

Matthew 25:1-13

In this sermon, we examine the Parable of the Ten Virgins and in so doing find that there are those who are going to be ready when the Lord returns to collect His bride, and those who are not going to be ready!  Getting ready for the Second Coming of the Lord is not something that we can prepare for when He comes, we must be prepared for when He comes.

May the Lord speak to each one of us on this matter of preparedness.

Knowing the Bible for Yourself (Pt. 3)

In deciding to translate the Bible from one language to another, two questions must lie at the heart of the translation process.  #1, Accuracy and #2, Readability.  On one hand, one wants a translation that is as accurate and as close to the original languages as possible while at the same time being readable.  You may be thinking, why are we discussing Bible translations in a study looking at how to better interpret the Bible?  Isn’t the Bible just the Bible?  It is, but as will be demonstrated, one can make use of a range of different translations of the Bible in order to make better sense of the Bible. 

In this third teaching part, we explore the various translations available to the student of God’s word and the pros and cons of each. 

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Matthew 6:25-34

Some things I find in life are easier said than done.  As human beings, we’re generally better at giving advice than we are at taking it!  How many times have we heard the saying (and no doubt probably said it ourselves), “What’s the point in worrying? It won’t change anything...”, and yet we continue right on worrying!  What is worry but a manifestation of fear on account of uncertainty?

In this sermon, we dig into the Scriptures and allow the Word of God to generate faith by looking at the great providential hand of God towards His children.  What have we to fear, if God be for us?  Let us cast our cares upon Him and bring our burdens to the Lord in prayer, finding in place of worry, a place of sweet relief. 

Matthew 14:23

Could it be that corporate prayer is so lacking in the Church today because God’s people have not first been found in private prayer?  It is my conviction and that also of the Scriptures; God’s people ought to have an appetite for prayer.  I say appetite because it’s not a laborious thing.  Is it laborious to eat?  If you’ve no taste buds...ye.!  But God has given us a wonderful pallet so that we can enjoy the many tastes and flavours, so that even though we must eat, we want to eat, and the whole experience is a most enjoyable one!!  Tell me, have you an appetite for prayer?  There is much instruction in the New Testament concerning praying for others; if we care enough for others, we’ll pray enough for others.  Yet private prayer is much more than a list of names and needs.  Prayer is personal and as such, when you and I go into our closets and shut the door, the most intimate exchange ought to take place in fellowship with God as we bear the secrets of our hearts to our heavenly Father, aided by the help of the Holy Spirit.  May the Lord stir our hearts to get alone from the business of this world and to spend time with Him in prayer.