Freehold Church of Christ YouTube Page
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2LtiDW0f8Lj6q3qGyrIog
God is good………….all the time!
Freehold Church of Christ YouTube Page
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs2LtiDW0f8Lj6q3qGyrIog
God is good………….all the time!
Wednesday Night Bible Study or known as the Mid-week Bible Study is on old fashion tradition most familiar with those from rural places. We see it as a way to grow in knowledge and faith.
We encourage everyone to read the Bible for themselves. In our Wed night Bible Study we serve as a guide to the reader as we study.
Studying the scripture is a satisfying and fulfilling way to learn about our Christian heritage. It’s a pleasant time away from the worries of the world, and we have a lot to worry about.
We love Jesus and one way we learn about Him is read the Bible. Come and see.
Do you love to sing? With all your heart? Acapella?
Acappella in referring to singing unaccompanied by instruments, the traditional spelling is the Italian one, a cappella but we are in USA so we say acapella.
We are not as modern as today’s groups like Pentatonix or Rockapella or Straight No Chaser but we do sing with no instruments. You could lend your beautiful voice to ours as we praise God. We have a wonderful and rich history of singing acepella. Please join us every Sunday for morning worship at 9:30 AM for Praise and Singing. As always there will be refreshments served afterwards.
WE ARE TO WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. Being “buried with him by baptism into death….even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). The person who has been born of God does not commit (continue living that old life of) sin characteristic before their conversion (1 John 3:9; Romans 6:1, 2). Such obtains on the basis of the persons genuine repentance (2 Cor. 7:10; Heb. 6:1).
WE ARE TO DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD. “As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 1:22, 23). This means I will (1 Tim. 2:15), study (2 Tim. 2:15), and meditate upon (1 Tim 4:15) God’s eternal word.
WE ARE TO BRING GLORY TO THE NAME OF CHRIST. Though I may suffer as a Christian I am to glorify God in this name (1 Pet 4:16). I am to never so live as to bring shame upon this high and holy name. Alexander the great conquered the world and wept because there was no more to conquer. But he had a coward, with his name, within his ranks. Alexander called this man into his presence one day and sternly said, “You change your way of living or you change your name!” We wear the name of Christ (Christian). We should live worthily of it. Otherwise, let us not hypocritically thus be identified!
WE ARE TO CONTINUE STEADFASTLY. Of those who were baptized on Pentecost it is written, “And they continued steadfastly…” (Acts 2:42). I am to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). I am not to be in and out, on and off, up and down, and hot and cold spasmodic, irregular, hit and miss in the Lord’s work. Inconsistent living will not get the job done.
WE ARE TO SEEK THOSE THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE. “If ye then be risen (referring back to having been risen from our burial with Christ in baptism, Col. 2:12) with Christ seek those things which are above…set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1, 2). The Christian’s interest and affections are not only to run horizontal but vertical! Our father is in heaven (Mt. 6:9). Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20). Our inheritance is in Heaven (1 Peter 1:4). Our names are written in Heaven (Heb. 12:32). Our treasures are in Heaven (Mt. 6:19-21). Truly, then, we are to seek those things that are above, setting our affection on things above.
WE ARE TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT THE SAVIOR. Immediately upon his conversion Paul shared Christ with others (Acts 9:20). Upon finding Christ, Andrew and Phillip told Peter and Nathaniel (Jn. 1:40-51). We have been won to win, saved to save, converted to convert, discipled to disciple. “And things that thou has heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also (2 Tim 2:2).
– Wendell Walker
Scripture Reference: Acts 8: 1-8
Introduction: Luke gives an interesting and informative account of the work of Philip, the evangelist. He makes two statements about Philip that will serve as a beginning for this lesson (Acts 8:5, 35).
I. WHAT DID PHILIP DO WHEN HE PREACHED CHRIST?
A. Many of the details are not given in Acts 8.
B. Guided by the Spirit, he preached the same as the apostles.
II. APOSTOLIC PREACHING INCLUDED THE LIFE OF JESUS.
A. His life was one that was approved of God.
B. Christ’s life ended in His sacrificial death upon the cross (Acts 2:23).
C. The burial of Jesus is prominently discussed in N.T. writing and preaching. While His burial may have seemed like the end, it was not (Acts 2:27).
III. LET US NOW CONSIDER THE COMMANDS OF JESUS.
A. We must preach His commands.
IV. STILL OUR SERMON IS NOT COMPLETE. WE MUST MENTION THE PROMISES OF JESUS.
A. It is on His promises that we stand (II Pet 1:4).
B. Another promise is eternal life with Him (I John 3:2, 3). This follows a life of godly service (Rev. :10).
Conclusion: This is the divine pattern for preaching Jesus (I Pet. 4:11). What the hearers did then is what they should do now (Acts 8:35-39; 2:41, 47).
Scripture Reference: Acts 5:17-29
Introduction: The gospel was spreading (Acts 2:41; 4:4). Such antagonized the Jews (4:1, 2). Preaching was forbidden (4:18-20). The apostles did not stop. So the Jewish leaders cast them into prison. An angel released them, and again they were instructed to stop (Acts 5:28). To this order Peter makes his reply (5:29).
I. THIS WAS AN EXPRESSION OF DEEP CONVICTION.
A. Peter expressed the conviction of all true believers. “We must obey God.”
B. Contrast the attitude of the apostles with some others.
II. WHY WE MUST OBEY GOD.
A. The first ground of obligation to obey God is found in the character of God.
B. When God created the earth, He gave natural laws to regulate its functions (Genesis 1:1).
C. We must obey God because obedience makes us what we should be.
D. We must obey God because no one else is worthy of our obedience.
E. We must obey God because judgment is coming (II Cor. 5:10).
III. OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS A REVELATION OF CHARACTER
A. Such obedience is a demonstration of one’s desire to put God first in all things.
B. Obedience to God shows that one does not love the world.
Conclusion: Why do you delay in obeying the gospel? (Mk. 16:16) Many of you have submitted to baptism after repentance. To you He says (Mt. 6:33; Rev 2:10) “We must obey God.”
Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:13-19
Introduction: Those who are interested in church growth are forever trying to find the right method. Being the right kind of people and having the right kind of heart is much more important than the method we use.
I. He Will Build On Spirituality (Phil 2:5).
A. The bible teaches we are to become “partakers” of the divine nature” (II Peter 1:4)
B. Let us resolve to develop ourselves spiritually.
1. We should put into our schedule time each day to study God’s word. We should also schedule a time to win souls each week. We never have time; we must make it.
2. How did the church grow so greatly in the first century? Not because of miracles, but the gospel (Rom 1:16). Boldly they preached (Acts 5:42; 6:7; 11:21; 12:24).
II. Build Love.
A. Jesus declares that love is the identifying characteristic of his disciples (Jn. 13:34,35)
1. If God’s people had the degree of love they should, more people would be eagerly listening to what we have to say. People rarely see genuine acts of love.
2. We can help them. Many would want to be a part of us and would gladly listen to our message.
III. Build An Evangelistic Leadership.
A. One of the greatest problems in the church today is leadership.
B. Far too often leadership is hesitant.
IV. Build a Trained Membership.
A. After we have taught and baptized people, we are to teach them to teach others (Mt 28:19, 20).
B. There are not many soul winners in most churches because we have not trained soul winners.
V. Build By Sowing Bountifully.
A. We have the guarantee of God that if we sow bountifully, we will reap bountifully (II Cor 9:6).
B. The Jerusalem church was accused of having filled their city with doctrine of Christ (Acts 5:28).
VI. Build With Evangelistic Assemblies.
A. The Bible teaches we are to worship properly (John 4:24).
B. Let us take a hard look at our assemblies. Why should anyone return if there is nothing for them?
VII. Build By Faith (II Cor 5:7).
A. If we plan with faith, God will bless our work.
B. It takes a positive attitude to build an evangelistic church.
C. The first few chapters of Acts describe the growth of the Jerusalem church.
VIII. Build By Prayer (John 14:14)
A. God blesses prayer.
B. Such a church will become a truly evangelistic church where God is glorified (John 15:8).
Conclusion: Apostolic methods have not failed. God is not a God of failure. Who is in control of your life and this church? If God does not control your life, let him.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: 2 Timothy 4:1-5
INTRODUCTION: There is a real need to know the responsibilities of a preacher. The N.T. places an importance on the work of preaching which must be respected by every person who claims to be a preacher.
I. FALSE STANDARDS OF MEN.
A. If popularity is what men expect of preachers, one should ask how popular were Paul and Stephen.
(Acts 17:30-32; 7:51-60)
1. If a man-pleaser is what is expected, one should know that such does not please God (Gal. 1:10).
People are indeed spiritually weak if they must have a preacher’s social call to keep them serving God.
2. All Christians, including preachers, are to visit the sick (Mt. 25:36, 43; Jas. 1:27).
B. An entertainer is what many people look for in a preacher.
1. On Pentecost Peter did not entertain his audience (Acts 2:23). Neither did Paul entertain Felix
(Acts 24:24, 25).
2. Many think all speeches should amuse and entertain. Such is not fitting in dealing with souls.
II. GOD’S STANDARD FOR PREACHING.
A. When men begin to look at preachers, they expect one thing; but when one studies the N.T. he sees that God expects something different.
1. The books of I and II Timothy and Titus set forth God’s expectations of preachers.
2. These books serve as a handbook for preachers.
B. Preachers are given serious responsibilities toward false teachers.
1. There will arise false teachers who must be opposed (I Tim. 1:3,4). Brethren must be told of departures from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1-6). This is needed because of the consequences of false doctrine (I Tim. 6:3-5).
2. If brethren go astray, they must be corrected (Titus 1:13). The preacher’s purpose is not just opposition, but improvement.
C. In relationship to the local church organization, a preacher has certain responsibilities.
1. He must teach the qualifications of those who will oversee (1 Tim. 3).
2. He must see that elders are appointed, and that what is lacking is set in order (Titus 1:5).
D. To the church he has many teaching duties.
1. In all his work, a preacher is to be diligent and dedicated (I Tim. 4:15,16).
2. A preacher must teach concerning prayer, modesty, and the place of men and women (I Tim. 2:1-4, 8-15). He must instruct all on proper conduct (I Tim. 3:15).
3. Brethren must be made to see the gain of godliness (I Tim. 4:7-10). A preacher must teach the responsibilities of all ages in the church (Titus 2:1-6).
4. He must rebuke sinners without partiality (I Tim. 5:20, 21; 6:17-19). He must also teach men to be teachers (2 Tim. 2:2). Brethren must be told to avoid fussing among themselves (2 Tim. 2:14).
E. Basically, a preacher’s work is that of an evangelist (2 Tim. 4:5).
1. An “evangelist” is a bringer of good tidings. It has nothing to do with traveling.
2. The same man is called a preacher, which tell what he does. He proclaims a message.
F. Preachers have responsibilities to themselves.
1. Each must fight the spiritual fight (1 Tim. 1:18). There may be attempts to get him to put aside his armor. He must be a good example (Titus 3:9). This is certainly a most frightening responsibility.
2. A preacher must avoid foolish controversies (Titus 3:9). The Christian must stand aloof from needless squabbles. He must reject a factious man (Titus 3:10).
3. In all things he must be one who is not ashamed (2 Tim. 2:15).
G. Preaching is assigned to men. Christ has never authorized women to do this work. Women who love the Lord will not usurp man’s work (1 Tim. 2:12).
CONCLUSION: The work of preaching is vital in God’s plan to convert men (1 Cor. 1:21). Christ said, “Go, preach” (Mk. 16:15). Philip preached (Acts 8:5). A preacher puts forth labor for which wages are paid (2 Cor. 11:8; I Cor. 9:14).
Scripture Reference: Eph. 6:11-18
I. Christians Are Soldiers In The Lords Army
II. Our Strength Is In The Lord And We Are To Trust Him.
III. We Must Stand In His Great Might.
IV. We Overcome Through Christ
Conclusion: The crown awaits all who wait with expectation for the coming of Christ. Have you put off starting on the way (Acts 22:16).
Scripture Reference: Acts 5:17-29
Introduction: Satan will do anything he can to destroy the church. If he is to have any success, he must gain it by attacking those who follow Jesus. Satan tries to create internal problems (Acts 5).
I. The Work of Satan in the Church (Acts 5: 1-4)
A. Basically, the sin of Ananias and Sapphira was hypocrisy.
B. Sapphira, the wife, felt the same sting of punishment (5:7-10).
C. The immediate result was more growth for the church (5:12-16). The healings were secondary to preaching and adding souls (5:14).
II. The Second Imprisonment of the Apostles.
A. The cause of this persecution (5:17, 18).
B. God’s angel released the apostles and sent them back to preach (5:19-21a).
a) It was a reproof to the Jewish leaders. b) It encouraged the apostles in their preaching. c) It convinced any doubtful Christians. d) It was proof of the truth of the apostles’ preaching.
2. The apostles lost no time getting to the people. The message was “the word of this Life” (5:20). This is dependent on a living Christ, and a living Christ is dependent on His resurrection.
III. Courage In Face of Persecution.
A. The apostles again are brought before the rulers (5:25-29).
B. The apostles were saved from death by Gamaliel (5:34-39).
IV. Rejoicing in Persecution (5:40, 41).
A. Very early in His ministry, Jesus pronounced happiness to sufferers (Mt. 5:10-12).
B. So the work went on unabated (5:42).
Conclusion: All who could admire moral heroism were drawn to the apostles who turned them to Christ. It is love that gave such strength to men (Jn. 3:16) Will you not accept him (Acts 22:16)?