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!

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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!

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He Must Manage His Own Household Well

Church leadership requires a man of experience. Where does one obtain such experience? According to 1 Timothy 3:4-5 and Titus 1:6-7, that experience comes from leading a home. Sometimes the details about the household qualifications for elders become the source of debate and confusion. But there is a reason God gave the church these qualifications. While not attempting to answer every viable question, this lesson focuses on the text of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to see what these qualifications mean and to help paint a picture of a man who manages his household well. When the church sees such a man, he is likely a man capable of leading the church!

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The Husband of One Wife

First Timothy 3 and Titus 1 both mandate that an elder must be a man who is “the husband of one wife.”  But what exactly does that mean?  Over the years, there have been many interpretations.  This lesson reviews some basic reminders regarding the qualifications, looks at the Biblical text, and considers the various interpretations and each view’s strengths and weaknesses.

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Above Reproach: An Introduction & Overview of Eldership Qualifications

The Bible calls an elder’s work a “noble work.”  Such noble work calls for noble men.  But how can we determine which men fit the bill?  Thankfully, Scripture provides us a picture of what such men look like.  The lists found in First Timothy 3 and Titus 1 reveal the qualities that should be clear and present in an elder’s life.  But how do we approach and handle these lists? This sermon provides an introduction to the subject of leadership qualifications, discusses how we might approach these lists, and reviews the first quality–“above reproach.”

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Understand This

Some passages in the Bible may be difficult to understand, but some passages are straightforward and easy to understand.  James 1:19-21 is one such passage.  In fact, James explicitly states he expects his readers to understand the commands he shares.  This sermon covers these brief verses and their important commands such as:

    • Be quick to listen
    • Be slow to speak
    • Be slow to anger
    • Rid yourself of moral filth
    • Humbly receive the implanted Word

Audio Only: Understand This

Eternal Life

In a follow up to the sermon on “Everlasting Punishment,” Nate Bibens provides a lesson on the other side of eternity – the blessed home of the righteous known as Heaven.  We hope this lesson encourages and motivates you in your Christian walk!

Eternal Life

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