In the hours before the crucifixion, Jesus’ life was filled with trials and betrayals. Reliving these scenes should make us appreciate the Lord’s sacrifice all the more. But further, these scenes are a warning to us, lest we too find ourselves betraying Jesus!
Category: Audio Sermons
Not Quarrelsome, Not Quick-Tempered, and Not Violent, but Gentle
As an overseer and a shepherd of God’s people, an elder must possess certain traits that allow him to lead, interact with, and help people, even in difficult and trying circumstances. This ability is described by Paul negatively as “not quarrelsome,” “not quick-tempered,” and “not violent.” Those ideas are summed up positively in the description of “gentle.” This lesson discusses the meaning and importance of these traits and their applicability to all Christians!
Watch
Listen
Read
A Lover of Good, Upright, and Holy
Many of the eldership qualities found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 tell us who an elder is not (e.g., “not a recent convert,” “not arrogant.”). But just as necessary are the qualifications which tell us who an elder is. This lesson focuses on a few such qualities and explains what it means to be “a lover of good,” “upright,” and “holy.” Further, this lesson demonstrates why eldership qualifications are characteristics that all Christians should pursue!
Watch
Listen
Read
Genesis
“In the Beginning…” Genesis is the introduction and foundation to the rest of the Bible. It answers some of life’s most important questions and points to the answer of greater questions. Genesis is certainly worth an in-depth study, but this sermon provides a simple, introductory overview to highlight the main themes, outline, and structure of this great book.
Not a Lover of Money & Not Greedy for Gain
Money is not evil, but the Bible teaches that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil! Because of this, every Christian should strive to purge out greed and a love of money. This is especially true of Christian leaders. Elders must be men who have proven to be beyond covetousness and dishonest practices for the sake of gain.
Watch
Listen
Read
Not Arrogant, Not a Recent Convert, and Able to Teach
A church elder must be an experienced, mature Christian. Such experience enables a man to humbly yet aptly teach and lead others in the Lord’s church. This lesson considers the three eldership “qualifications” that address this truth: that an elder must not be arrogant, cannot be a recent convert, and must be able to teach.
Watch
Listen
Read
Not a Drunkard
The Bible says an elder must “not be a drunkard.” That seems fair enough, and everyone agrees an alcoholic should not be appointed as a leader in the church. But is that all 1 Timothy 3:3 and Titus 1:7 teach? Does this passage mean an elder can drink a little? Does it mean an elder can’t drink, but other Christians can? When it concerns alcohol, views and questions abound. This lesson focuses on the “not a drunkard” qualification for elders but also considers the fuller Biblical teaching that applies to all Christians concerning alcohol consumption!
Watch
Listen
Read
If I Could Not Speak
What if you could not speak, write, or otherwise communicate? What if people knew you only by your actions and not your words? What would they think about you? This lesson considers such a question and discusses some virtues Christians would do well to cultivate and virtues we should be known by!
Audio Only: If I Could Not Speak
Respectable, Well Thought of by Outsiders, & Hospitable
An elder must be a Christian whose inner life is in order and thus is self-controlled and sober-minded. But such inner attributes should be readily observed externally. When that is the case, you will find a respectable man who is well-thought of. An elder isn’t just well thought of by his closest circle, however. The Scriptures teach an elder must be well thought of even by outsiders. In this lesson, James Smiths reviews these attributes and their connection to the hospitable nature that an elder must possess. James also illustrates why these attributes are not unique to elders but should be present in all Christians’ lives!
Watch
Listen
Read
Sober-Minded, Self-Controlled, and Disciplined
What type of man can lead the church as an elder? So far in our series, we’ve considered the qualifications about a man’s morality and family-life. This lesson will consider three similar yet distinct qualities the Holy Spirit providers concerning a man’s demeanor and attitude. In this lesson, we’ll see what it means for an elder to be sober-minded, self-controlled, and a man of discipline!
Watch
Listen
Read
