The Christian Conflict. As christians, we were once in darkness, but now we are to be light in the Lord. Therefore we are admonished
to: walk as children of light. However, It’s usually much easier to “go along to get along” yet we’re told to “have no fellowship with the
unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.“ This isn’t always easy. None of us enjoy
a life of conflict but once we were saved, we are in opposition to the world and it’s dark ways. In this conflict, we find there are several forces that
work against. First is the flesh. There is no good thing in the flesh. Becoming a christian does not reform the old man but creates in us a new
man. Consequently, the old man is always trying to exercise itself to ungodliness. The second force against christians is Satan. No wonder
since he is the god of this world. He is the father of the lie and directly apposes God. The third force against the light is the worldly system. There
have been many christians who have been shipwrecked by their love of the world. For example, even just Lot was vexed
by the evil around him in Sodom and Gomorrah. The lesson on 11-03-2002 reminds us there is a conflict for christians and
recounts the example of Lot and his strugle to do the right thing.   Click here to listen now.
Shun Vain and Profane Babblings. Paul takes the time to tell christians what how their walk
should demonstrate godliness.. With this wisdom, we find one of the guidelines involves
avoiding pofanity and things that are sacriligous and offensive to God. This specifically includes
profane people because they lead to ungodliness. God knows that it doesn’t take much to
corrupt those that are good. We’re not instructed to keep bad company because ungodly
people lead to profane behavior usually because profane people keep bad company. The old
saying is “one rotten apple spoils the whole bunch”. No wonder God says to shun profane
people. As christians, we need to keep company with those people that encourage christian behavior. Profane people
cause good people to error, particularly those that practice evil and worldly ways.. Christians need to use the scripture to
serve as a guide towards good behavior. The word of God also is what helps identify vain babblings. Topics like
evolution often signify empty philosophy. There are several examples of profane people in scripture. For instance, how
about Esau who sold his birthright for a morsel of food.(Hebrews 12:16)? The lesson on 11-10-2002 teaches about vain and profane people. Click here to listen now.
The Pattern of Paul. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we are reminded to be
thankful. Yet we see from 2 Timothy 3:1-2, that unthankfulness is one of the attributes of the
last days of this dispensation. Do you practice thankfulness? A recent observation made by
some missionaries about the American people was that they were a bunch of complainers and
unthankful even though there are so many things to be thankful for. If America turns away
from it’s Christian heritage and leans towards humanism or materialism, unthankfulness will be a
result because the flesh is never satisfied. In contrast, the Apostle Paul demonstrated that
Christians should put their affections on things above, and not on things of the world. Paul
declares he is a pattern for believers and demonstrates how to be thankful no matter what condition presents itself. The lesson on 11-17-2002 teaches about
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Companion Bible - The Companion Bible is a study Bible by E.W Bullinger that is based on the King James Authorized
Version of 1611 with many footnotes and study material. It also has an extensive Appendix spanning 223 pages which covers 193 topics. The Companion Bible
is probably the best Study Bible available to date. No other Bible has the kind of exhaustive information found in this Bible. Read more here. |
the example of Paul for he said in Philippians 3:17 (KJV) ”Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Click here to listen now.
Strive Not. The aim of the enemy, according to2 Timothy 2:16, is to subvert the hearer and snare the believer. Yet God gives the Christian
good instructions on how to deal with it as believers in Christ. The workman that is not ashamed has studied the scripture and practices
right division. Paul also encourages Timothy to commit certain “things” to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also. What things?
Don’t be ashamed of Paul’s specific ministry called “the mystery”.
Further, be strong in the grace that is in Christ and recognize the completeness we have in Him. There are those who have turned
away from Paul’s teaching and follow other teachings that are contrary to the word of God. These people ought to be opposed vs.
striving with them. By putting on the whole armour of God, Christians
are to take a stand. The lesson on 11-24-2002 studies the passage in
2 Timothy 2:14-26 and encourages Christians to “strive not” yet be a peace maker. The lesson also closes with a commentary on Thanksgiving. Click here to listen now.
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Audio Lessons for this Month
