Christians on Campus
Introduction I Peter 1:7 Academic integrity II Corinthians 8:20-21 – It would have been easy for Paul to steal some of the money, but he didn’t want his integrity to be questioned. Ephesians 4:25 Colossians 3:23 We are now in the age of AI. Texas A&M University is trying to crack down on cheating via generative AI. This could be a challenge if you are not cheating, but you see cheaters getting away with it and having a much easier time in school. Independent faith Hebrews 11:1-3, 6-7 Romans 10:17 I must read and come to my own faith. Noah built the ark because of his faith. Asking questions is the way to develop faith. Ephesians 6:16 Pure dress Romans 6:12-14 – Am I using my body as an instrument of unrighteousness? Romans 13:13-14 Be careful of the effect your clothing has on others. Luke 17:1-2 – Woe to those who cause others to stumble. Budgeted time Ephesians 5:15-16 Luke 8:14 Plan and be deliberate with how you use your time. Psalms 1:1-3 Make a resolution to put God first! Faithful friends Mark 3:31-35 – Jesus was emphasizing the closeness of His spiritual family. II Peter 1:1 There are many clubs and groups to be involved with. Take advantage of the people in this room! Spend time with the people that you have the most important things in common with.
James 3:1-18
James 3 James 3:1-12 James 3:1 – Be careful about being teachers. We have plenty of authority to teach, but we must be careful with that responsibility. James 3:2 – If you can control your tongue, you are doing well! This is something we must constantly work on. James 3:3 – Proverbs 20:21 – Speech is powerful! James 3:6 – A single word or sentence can have enormous consequences. James 3:7-8 – We can control so many creatures, but not the tongue. James 3:13-18 James 3:13 – Wisdom is shown by good behavior. James 3:17 Pure – wisdom that is true Peace-loving – not inclined to break the peace unless necessary. Reasonable – able to be reasoned with Full of mercy – Mercy is not weakness. Our example is God’s mercy. Impartiality – without prejudice or bias James 3:18 – Peacemakers create the fruit of righteousness.
Remarks About the New Church Building
Introduction I Corinthians 14; Acts 20:7 – It’s God’s will that local churches assemble. Buildings are authorized under this general authority. Let’s keep our focus on the spiritual. Matthew 23:5, 23-24 Let’s thank God for the building. Acts 2:46; 3:11; 5:12 – Where did the first Christians meet? Solomon’s portico. Isn’t the need for a new building a wonderful problem to have? Many brethren in the world do not enjoy such comforts. Let’s not compromise the gospel to fill the pews. Galatians 1:10 Wherever we worship, let’s try to do it well. Philippians 4:17 In matters of judgment, let us practice love. Romans 14:13 Let us be kind, patient, and loving.
Holiness, Part 3
Holiness: Its expression in scripture God’s name is holy (Matthew 6:9; Luke 1:49) Before scribes would write the name of God, they would change clothes, purify themselves, and use a different quill and different ink. Using the name of God correctly shows respect and humility. It shows the right mindset. There are many different names for God in scripture which emphasize different aspects of His character. Godhead (John 17:11; Mark 1:24; Acts 5:3) Holiness: Its emphasis Holiness is the attribute that defines His other attributes: God’s love is holy God’s mercy is holy God’s judgment is holy God’s justice is holy God’s goodness and severity is holy God’s patience is holy God’s … is holy It’s the bedrock of God’s glory. Holiness: Its implication Leads to conviction of guilt Isaiah 6:5 – Isaiah’s recognition of Holiness, I am not worthy Luke 5:8 – Peter falls to his knees – why? II Corinthians 7:8-11 – Godly sorrow Produces careful obedience Leviticus 10 – Nadab and Abihu … didn’t approach God properly
Culture of my Family: Love for Each Other
Introduction God formed the family at the very beginning. It is a critical relationship. God uses “family” in both physical and spiritual relationships. I Corinthians 4:14-17 – Paul uses familial terms about them and about Timothy. I Timothy 3:4-5 – Family is involved in the qualifications for an elder. Love each other! Matthew 22:37-40 – Love for others is one of the greatest commandments. Matthew 5:43-46 – Love even your enemies. If your family members are your enemies, love them also! John 3:16 – God loved the world full of sinners! Romans 5:6-8 – God loved us while we were sinners. My love should be based on God, who loves all unconditionally. God demonstrates His love. He is active in His love. If I love my family, I will take action. Sacrifice for each other! Hebrews 13:16, 15 – Doing good and sharing are sacrifices that God is pleased with. Worshiping God is good, but we have obligations beyond that. When is the last time you sacrificed in some way for your family? Philippians 2:4 – Look out for the interests of others. John 15:12-13 – If Jesus sacrificed His life for sinners, what will I sacrifice for my family? Help and encourage each other! I Thessalonians 2:7, 11 – Paul said he was as close as a nursing mother to them. I Timothy 5:1-2 – Help and encourage others like family. Galatians 6:1-2 – Help bear one another’s burdens. Proverbs 17:17 Forgive each other! Matthew 6:12-15 – If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us! See also Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32. II Corinthians 2:6-8 – When one comes back and makes things right, forgive and rejoice! Parents, help your children to feel sorry rather than forcing them to say they are sorry. The words will come if the thoughts are sincere.