A New and Living Way

Garden path

Throughout the book of Hebrews, a comparison is made between the new covenant and the old covenant. In every way, the new covenant in Christ is far superior to the old covenant. Because the new way is better, we should respond to it in a certain way. Notice what the author of Hebrews wrote:

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us…” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Following that statement, the Hebrew said, “Let us” do certain things. In the subsequent verses, we find three things we are to do now that we are a part of the “new and living way” in Christ. In this article, we will consider each of these.Continue Reading

When We Disagree

Two Men Having an Argument

In our polarized world, disagreements are more pronounced, arguments are more public, and differences seem to be irreconcilable. Though we may immediately think of this in the context of social and political issues, it can also be true in matters of religion.

In reality though, there have always been disagreements on matters pertaining to faith. Some believe there is a God; others believe there is no God. Some believe that Jesus is the Son of God; others believe Jesus was only a prophet, teacher, or wise rabbi. The “Christian” world is filled with different ideas regarding salvation, sin, worship, the church, morality, and more – too many topics to list. Disagreements on such matters will always be present.

In this article, we will primarily be discussing disagreements between those who believe in Christ and recognize the Bible as the word of God.

If you and I disagree on some point pertaining to religious matters, there are four possibilities:Continue Reading

How to Determine If One Is a Christian

Paul Before Agrippa

When Paul was on trial before King Agrippa, he used the opportunity to preach the gospel (Acts 26:19-23). One of the apostle’s goals was to persuade the king to become a Christian. Agrippa recognized this because he stated, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

We are trying to do the same thing today that Paul was doing on that occasion – trying to persuade people to become a Christian. However, if we are going to persuade them to become a Christian, we need to know what a Christian is. Also, they need to understand what a Christian is before they can be persuaded to become one.

So how can we determine if one is a Christian? How can one determine if he/she is a Christian or not? We can consult the Scriptures to find an answer.Continue Reading

From Saul to Paul (Sermon #29)

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From Saul to Paul (Sermon #29)

We’re in between season 10 and season 11. During the break we’re posting audio sermons each week instead of the regular episodes. The sermon for this week was preached on March 11, 2018 at the Eastside church of Christ in Morgantown, KY.

If you found this episode to be useful, please share it with others. Also, if you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a rating on iTunes or Stitcher. This also helps others hear about the podcast. Thanks.

The Real Pharisees (Part 12): The Pharisees Were Concerned with Outward Appearances

The Real Pharisees

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation” (Matthew 23:14).

We already discussed the first part of this verse (devouring widow’s houses) to see how they took advantage of others. Now we are going to consider the second part: “For a pretense you make long prayers.” When something is done “for a pretense,” it is done for a show. It is all about what other people see.
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Sermon on the Mount (Part 3): A Sincere Life

Sermon on the Mount (Part 3): A Sincere Life

As we continue our study, we will consider how the life of a disciple is a sincere life. Though the word sincere is not used in the verses we will examine, it is certainly the concept under consideration. One who is sincere is one who says what he genuinely feels or believes and is not dishonest or hypocritical. A disciple of Christ cannot be a hypocrite. Our outward actions must be in harmony with our inward thoughts and motivations. The Pharisees were known for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:2, 13) and Jesus said our righteousness must exceed theirs (Matthew 5:20). As He explained in these verses, the life of a disciple must be a sincere life.
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Joshua’s Challenge to the People

Joshua 24:15

Most of us probably remember Joshua’s statement: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). His mind was already settled. No matter what the rest of the people decided when he challenged them, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve,” he was determined to follow God.

But what did serving the Lord include? What was he challenging the people to do? Notice Joshua’s entire statement:
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