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Mercy and Not Sacrifice

8/28/2016

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How can one act of mercy make a difference? Ask the apostle Matthew. Because Jesus called Matthew, tax collectors and sinners joined to eat with Jesus and his disciples. Jesus offered God’s Word to the outcasts and fringes of society. While Christians are not to become unequally yoked with unbelievers, Christians are to act with mercy and kindness to reach those who are “outsiders.” Christ exhorted critical Pharisees to “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’” Sacrifice is meaningless without mercy. This study encourages believers to follow Christ’s example. Jesus called sinners to repent (Luke 5:32). Repentance is essential to the forgiveness of sins and publishing of the Gospel message (Luke 24:46–8; Acts 2:38; 3:19). How can Christians learn from Christ to lead others to mercy and repentance?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 12:1-8 (read by Barry Rutkowski)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 28, 2016

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Life and Death Morals

8/21/2016

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After archers critically wounded him, King Saul feared the Philistines would capture and mistreat him. The king commanded his armor-bearer to draw his sword and kill him, but the armor-bearer refused. King Saul drew his sword and fell on it (1 Sam 31). Was Saul right to take his life at this moment? Did Saul have the prerogative to take his own life when he was dying and facing torture? He was already in rebellion against God. In his last moments, Saul would have to choose either turning to God or to control his own end. This lesson addresses life-and-death issues. How should Christians view human life and face death? How do the Scriptures apply? Psalm 139:13–16 revealed that God forms every person in the womb. God’s works are wonderful including everyone that He created. God even knows the days of our lives before He created us. The Christian faith consists of divine principles that endear the value of human life and revere God’s image.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-27 (read by Dutch Dekker)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 21, 2016

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The Destruction of Secularism

8/14/2016

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Secularism is thriving in America. “Do not talk about politics or religion.” Americans have been excluding God from public life because it offends people and it is not so professional. Many consider secularism as a “neutral” position. Secularism does not recognize religion, faith, and God. How can secularism then defend freedom of religion and conscience? The Christian faith has produced tolerance by its very nature of following Jesus who never forced anyone to believe. Jesus sought to persuade the hearts and minds of the crowds that listened to him. Secularism is a huge step backwards from the preference of Christianity. Following Jesus has been the only ally to the freedom of conscience. The faith of Christians is more than a private conviction. Christianity is a public need. Faith in Jesus is a blessing to society and one that Christians must continue to argue and uphold. However, the apostle Paul spoke of those who will no longer honor and thank God. Paul revealed what would happen to them, and America appears to have gone down that path. This study observes God’s revelation in Romans 1, its fulfillment today, and pleads for the only path toward true freedom by a national preference for the Christian faith

Key Scripture: Romans 1:18-28
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:18-21 (read by Gene Bryant)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 14, 2016

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The Christian Citizen

8/7/2016

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What can Christians do as civil citizens? Some preachers have suggested the Christian’s role as a citizen is to focus on heaven and that this world matters little. However, the apostle Paul used his rights as a Roman citizen to spread the Gospel. He made choices that many Christians are afraid to make today. Paul gained greater liberty when Roman leaders persecuted him and later found that he was a citizen. Christians wonder about voting. Can a Christian vote for “the lesser of two evils”? How is one candidate better than another? Must someone completely agree with the candidate? Despite the circumstances of the apostle Paul, Paul honored and revered the government leaders. He gave instructions of praying for them and speaking for evil of them. How should Christians apply these principles today?

Scripture Reading: Acts 23:1-5 (read by Steve Berg)
Lesson by Scott Shifferd
Recorded August 7, 2016

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Mercy and Not Sacrifice

Life and Death Morals

The Destruction of Secularism

The Christian Citizen

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