In Sermons: showing 91-105 of 120

Cornelius: The God-Fearing Gentile

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on May 5, 2003

This is an examination of the qualities of the first Gentile to be converted to the Christian Faith. As we see, he is an individual who provides inspiration and an example for all.

One of my favorite conversion stories in the Book of Acts is that of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion. In fact, one of the first sermons I ever delivered came from this passage. In that lesson and even my later studies of the passage, I must admit, I focused more on Peter than on Cornelius. You ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Christian & Military Service

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Feb 6, 2003

This is an examination of what the Word of God teaches about the Christian’s participation in the military and carnal warfare.

I want to begin this lesson by acknowledging that when we address the subject of whether or not the Christian should take part in the military we are dealing with a controversial subject. The Church has debated this subject for 1400 years. Many theological scholars and Christian philosophers have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Benefits Of Water Baptism

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Jan 23, 2003

This is an examination of the various spiritual blessings that the New Testament associates with water baptism. In addition, we consider how the early Church viewed this rite.

In the ’Great Commission’, Jesus instructed His apostles to make disciples of all the nations "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." Why did our Lord emphasize the need for baptism? What ’benefits’ does the person receive when they are baptized? We wish to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, John 3:3-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Called, Chosen And Faithful

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Dec 24, 2002

Those who fight and gain the victory with Christ, the Lamb, are described as "the called, the chosen and faithful". This is a study of the significance of these descriptive titles given to the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this passage, we have three titles given as a description of those who, with Christ Jesus, battle with and gain the victory over the Harlot (the Apostate Church; that is, the Roman Catholic Church) and her political allies. In a broader context, these three titles are an accurate description ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:14, Ephesians 1:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Joy Of The Lord Is Our Strength

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Nov 2, 2002

The Scriptures teach that the joy of the Lord is our strength. This is a lesson which provides guidance on how we can experience the power of spiritual joy in our Christian lives.

Background: The Jews had returned from 70 years of foreign captivity in Babylon. While they were in Babylon, the Jews were not able to practice their religion in its entirety. In fact, for the most part, they did not have access to the Law of God. For most of the captives, whatever they knew of ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-10, Romans 14:17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Holy Spirit And Conversion

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Oct 11, 2002

This is a basic study of the means by which the Holy Spirit effects the conversion of sinners to Christ.

We are taught by Christ Jesus in John 3:3, 5, that "Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.... unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." In this passage, we learn that conversion - being born again - involves water and the Spirit of ...read more

Scripture: John 3:3-5, Romans 1:15-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Christian And Civil Government

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Oct 11, 2002

This is a study of what the Scriptures teach about the origin and purpose of civil government. We also briefly examine both the Christian’s responsibilities and rights in relation to civil government.

We Christians have many relationships in our lives. We have a relationship with God through Christ. We have relationships with those who are in the Church. We have relationships within marriage and family. We have relationships with our neighbors or society. We have relationships with our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Brotherly Love

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 11, 2002

A look at the love Christ desires to exist between His followers.

I. Called ’brotherly’ because we are spiritual kin. Ephesians 2:19, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household," Romans 8:16, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God," 1 Timothy ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34, 1 John 2:9-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus And Pilate

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 11, 2002

An examination of the meeting of Jesus and Pontius Pilate and the lessons that can be gained from their encounter, concerning the nature of civil authority and our relationship to it.

The Jewish authorities wanted Jesus dead but were unwilling to kill Him themselves because they did not wish to lose favor with the common people who believed in Jesus. They wanted Rome to do it. They wanted Rome to take the blame. The evil Jewish authorities played Pontius Pilate like a fiddle to ...read more

Scripture: John 19:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 9, 2002

This is a basic overview of the doctrine of the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the Christian. We examine when, how, and why the Spirit dwells in the child of God.

When one obeys the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit. Paul asked the Galatian brethren (3:2): "This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit from the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?" The Spirit was not received through their ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19, Acts 2:38-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Perseverance

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 5, 2002

In this world, we shall face tribulation. For this reason, perseverance is an important grace to develop in our lives. In this Bible study, we learn how to do just that.

I.DEFINITION. The word is the Greek HUPOMONE. In Classical Greece it described the ability of a plant to thrive in a harsh environment - literally in the deserts and rocky slopes. In later Greek and Jewish literature, it was used to refer to the ’spiritual staying power’ which enabled the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is The Doctrine Of "Original Sin" Really Scriptural?

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 5, 2002

Many today accept the doctrine of "Original Sin" or "Total Hereditary Depravity" as basic truth; yet, it is not supported by the Bible nor was it taught in the early Church.

The doctrine of "Original Sin" basically states that Adam’s guilt has been passed down to each member of the human race. Thus, we are born condemned sinners. We are separated from God and His grace from birth. We are born spiritually dead. Only the blood of Christ can remove the stain and guilt of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-5, Ezekiel 18:19-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Obedience Of Faith

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 5, 2002

Can mere belief in God and the truths of His Word win the Lord’s approval and blessings? To the contrary, the Scriptures plainly teach that only a faith that leads to obedience to God wins approval and reward.

When one reads the Letter to the Romans and then reads the Letter of James, there may appear to be a contradiction. Romans 4:1-6 clearly teaches that we are justified by faith apart from works. However, James 2:24 says that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. Martin Luther saw ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:26-27, James 2:24-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Mission Of The Lord's Church

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 5, 2002

This is a study of the Ministries of the Church of Christ in this world. Each congregation needs to examine its work to ensure that it is fulfilling God’s glorious purpose.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus emphatically stated that He would build His "Church and the gates of Hades would not overpower it." Indeed, following His resurrection and ascension, we find His establishing the Church on Pentecost in ACTS 2. Throughout the remainder of the Book of ACTS, we see it "having ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:5-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Proper Usage Of The Church Treasury

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 5, 2002

This is an examination of how the early Church used the monetary funds contributed by its members. The practice of the early Church, under the directions of the Apostles, gives us a pattern to follow today.

Proper Use of the Church Treasury It is proper and perfectly Scriptural for Christians in a community to put money in a common fund. There has never been a great deal of disagreement among brethren over this matter. Christians generally agree that it is right to contribute to a general fund to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ