Todays post is a class outline by guest writer Lucas Ward.  Please feel free to use it.

I.  Know Your Scriptures (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 3:4)

A.  Know what it says.

1) Examine vocabulary, grammar. Use of good commentaries/concordances. 

2)  Knowing what it says leads naturally to what it means.

B.  Good points based on misused scripture = lost credibility/lost audience.

II.  Inspiration of Scripture/Speaking as the Oracle of God.  (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 4:11)

A.  God's Word!  Preach what it says, not what you wish it said.

B.  You are teaching others what God's Word says.

1)  In effect, you are speaking for God.

2)  All too many won't look up passages, but just accept what you say.

3)  James 3:1.

III.  Three Qualities of a Good Sermon/Talk.

A. Have a clear purpose:  speak with a reason.

B.  Have a central idea:  speak with a point.

C.  Have a well-organized message:  Speak without rambling.

IV.  Two Kinds of Sermons/Talks.

A.  Topical:  You present what the Bible teaches on a particular subject.

1)  Take care not to use passages out of context to support you thesis. 

2)  Don't leave out passages because they disagree with what you want to say. 

3)  Read and examine all the passages in the Bible on a particular subject to learn what the Bible teaches on that subject and then teach that, regardless of your long-held belief or personal feelings.

B.  Expository:  Explaining or analyzing a particular passage and teaching that passage.  

1)  Know the passage backwards and forwards.

2)  Understand how your passage fits in the context of the book it is in, and the Bible as a whole.

V.  Organizing your Message.

A.  Introduction:  Tell the audience what you will be speaking about and engage their interest.  Perhaps utilize humor or an anecdote.

B.  The body of message. Must have a logical structure.

1)  The three point sermon, with supporting subpoints, is common.

2)  Each point and subpoint must support the thesis and lead to a conclusion.

C.  Conclusion:  Bring the plane in for a safe landing.

1)  State your conclusion and reiterate the points that lead to that conclusion.

2)  Have a planned segue into your invitation.

VI. Your Speaking Should Support Your Message, Not Distract From it.

A.  Speak clearly, slowly and enunciate.  Be heard.

B.  Avoid "um" and "like" and other space fillers.  No need to fill every silence.

C.  Use proper grammar.

1)  Bad grammar can be distracting.

2)  Bad grammar can cause doubt as to the validity of your message/conclusions

3)  Good grammar automatically makes you seem professional/credible.

4)  If you choose to use colloquialisms, do so on purpose and with a  reason.

D.  Practice out loud before you speak in front of an audience.  Will help smooth out the space-fillers and poor grammar.

VII.  Be Ready for Criticism.

A.  Most will just say, "Good job."

B.  Some will ask, "Why didn't you use this passage?"

C.  Some (who really care enough to put themselves out) will offer pointers on better speaking and preparation. 

D.  Be prepared to use all of this to grow in confidence, Biblical knowledge, and skill, rather than being hurt that someone said other than "Good job."

Lucas Ward

Today's post is by Guest Writer Joanne Beckley

We have all read our Old and New Testament condemnation of idolatry in all its forms. But

right now I would ask you to read of man’s worship of idols in today’s time throughout the

world. Idolatry is not dead! It is next door and yes, in our politics, often disguised or blatant in

our face. Is America, her people of all races and creeds, really “One Nation Under (one) God”?

1Sa 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and

idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from

[being] king."

The following paragraphs are internet AI overviews.

Idolatry, in a religious context, refers to the act of worshiping or giving undue reverence to

an object, person, or idea as a god or something divine, rather than to the true God or divine

being. Examples include the worship of celestial bodies like the sun and moon, statues, or even

inanimate objects, physical items to represent who or what they worship. In modern times,

idolatry can also manifest as excessive focus on material possessions, fame, or pleasure, where

these things become the primary source of value and happiness.

Polytheism is the belief in many gods and is characteristic of most religions except for

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which are monotheistic. In polytheistic religions, gods can

have various roles and attributes, and sometimes a supreme creator or a dominant god exists,

such as Zeus in Greek religion. Polytheism can coexist with other beliefs and often includes

belief in demonic and ghostly forces, and gods may represent natural forces, social functions,

or abstract concepts.

Southwestern tribal religions are generally characterized by animism (the attribution of a

soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena) and shamanism (a person regarded

as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits). Many tribes believe in

spirits inhabiting natural elements and relying on shamans as intermediaries between the human

and spiritual realms. Ceremonies played a vital role, with some tribes like the Pueblo

performing them to ensure the continuation of the world and appeal to powerful being. Kachina

figures represent the spiritual beings who help the Pueblo cultures survive.

Satanism, as a religion, encompasses a range of beliefs and practices, primarily revolving

around the figure of Satan, a figure linked to rebellion and enlightenment emphasizing

self-indulgence, individual freedom, and a rejection of traditional religious morality. It's important to note that Satanism isn't a monolithic religion, and different groups hold diverse

views on Satan's nature and the purpose of their faith.

Hinduism is a multifaceted religion with origins in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by a

diverse array of philosophies, practices, and beliefs. It is often described as a "way of life"

rather than a rigid set of doctrines, encompassing a vast range of traditions and rituals that

revolve around specific idols. Key concepts include Brahman, the ultimate reality or universal

soul; karma, the principle of cause and effect; and samsara, the cycle of reincarnation. Hindus

also strive for moksha, liberation from this cycle, often through practices like yoga and

meditation. Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and

reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect). One of the key thoughts of

Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul. This philosophy holds that living creatures have a

soul, and they're all part of the supreme soul.

Polynesian religions were diverse and involved beliefs in pantheons of gods represented in

various forms, local and family spirits, and the concept of "mana," a sacred supernatural

power. Christianity, particularly Protestantism and Catholicism, was adopted by many

Polynesian cultures following missionary efforts, often blending with pre-existing traditions.

Taoism holds that humans and animals should live in balance with the Tao, or the universe.

Taoists believe in spiritual immortality, where the spirit of the body joins the universe after

death. For example, trees are to be worshiped as equal as god within man.

African traditional religions are diverse belief systems with roots in indigenous African

cultures, characterized by animism, ancestor worship, and the belief in both a supreme creator

and lesser deities. These religions often emphasize the interconnectedness of the natural and

spiritual realms, with practitioners seeking to maintain harmony with the spirit world through

rituals, offerings, and spirits in nature.

There is evidence of idolatry within the Catholic faith, whether seen in the need to replace the

toe of Saint Peter’s statue, or a picture on the wall.

-----------

Each of these religions are practiced here in America and are evidence of man’s need for

someone to be viewed higher than self. Each one seeks for something better than what is

experienced here on earth. Sadly, unknowingly, many Americans have been swallowing parts

of others’ religion! And yes, be aware of what we hear in the news on TV for religion may

explain why the increase in evil.

How thankful you and I can be for our faith in Almighty Eternal God. He has provided direct

communication with us and we have direct access to Him through prayer. He is our creator and

rules with righteous justice, requiring responsibilities toward Him in our worship to Him. He

has provided a way of peace while we live in this world. How sad it is that the world does not

know Him despite the fact that all mankind now has access to the Bible.

Ro 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of

Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long

ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the

commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, [leading] to

obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

Today's post is by guest writer Keith Ward

Sometimes children are afraid for no discernable reason.  It can be difficult to reassure them since the parents often have no idea what the problem may be.  I cannot recall the exact steps in its evolution, but at such times, we would tell our sons the “I love you story”. It did not even matter if their request, “Tell me the 'I love you story,'” was merely a bedtime delaying tactic, as it is short and powerful and comforting.  All children should hear it often:

                        “God loves you and Jesus loves you and the Holy Spirit loves you and

Grandma loves you and Papa loves you and Aunt Donna loves you and Uncle Dennis loves you and Aunt Linda loves you and Uncle Mike loves you…[and down the list of every relative they know]….and Mama loves you and I love you too.”

We told it in both directions as we often started with “I love you and Mama loves you” and ended with “and best of all, God loves you too.”

            It never failed to calm their worries and leave a smile on their faces and made, “Now, go on to sleep” a comfortable ending.

            In his first epistle, the apostle John addresses Christians as, “My little children.” Are we not often surrounded by undefined fears, worried by things we cannot control, concerned about the great darkness and questions no one can answer?  Our problems may not have a solution; we may not even know ourselves what it is that disturbs us so.  At such times, we need to hear the “I love you story.”  We are never too grown-up to be told that God loves us.  I am afraid of the dark (death). There ARE monsters under the bed (Satan), and uncontrollable events plague our lives.  I tell the story to others so I can hear it too.

Don’t ever be too bashful, too reserved to comfort someone, “God loves you and Jesus loves you and the Holy Spirit loves you…..and I love you too.”

“For God so loved the world…”  John 3:16.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him, Psa 103:11.

Keith Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Lucas Ward

I recently taught a Bible class that in turn taught me something very important.    

My view of the David and Bathsheba story, the class in question, is that it is a cautionary tale against hubris and that it shows that even forgiven, sins can have many earthly consequences. I always try to keep in mind that these are real people with real motivations and emotions. People who live in a different culture than mine, with a different viewpoint that sometimes makes it hard for me to understand, but people. Thinking along those lines about David, I find it hard to believe this was an isolated incident where his passions got out of control. If seeing a beautiful, naked young woman aroused him, then he had many--many!!--legitimate ways to deal with that. His wives and concubines that we know of number in the high teens. He was also cold blooded enough about the whole incident to make sure that Bathsheba was clean according to the law. It seems that if she wasn't clean, David would have waited for her. So this wasn't one moment of passion, but the culmination of years of legitimately having his way.

He was king, and as such was accorded certain privileges. He wanted security for his people, the earthly nation of God, and he went out and took it at the edge of the sword. He wanted a new capital city, and took it.  I wonder if he wasn't arrogant about being David, King of the Hebrews, scourge of the land of Canaan. Then he saw a woman he wanted, and took her, despite the fact that she was the wife of another. So, the story can be taken as a warning against hubris.

Then chapter 12 (2 Samuel) lists the consequences of David's acts, records David's repentance, and declares God's forgiveness of David's sins. Yet though forgiven, David had to face the multiple consequences the rest of his life. That teaches us that our sins, too, can have major, long lasting consequences, regardless of God's forgiveness. This gives us extra incentive to remain pure before God.  None of us want to face anything like the last 20 years of David's life. So that was my view of the point of the David and Bathsheba story.

Then a woman I respect said she agreed with most of what I thought, especially about the consequences of sin, but denied that it was the major point of the story. She sees the major point as being the wonderful grace of God and his extraordinary forgiveness. To her it is a story showing that, no matter how far one falls from God, he will accept you back if you show "a broken and contrite heart." (Psalm 51). David made some major mistakes, and was far from God at the end of chapter 11, but with the strong rebuke of Nathan he came to himself and returned to Jehovah, acknowledging his sin and repenting. God forgave him, he remained king, and spent most of the rest of his life preparing for the temple and the national worship of Jehovah. This paints the picture of God's redeeming grace. 

My father made the point in my class that you can see from David's writing in the 51st Psalm the surprising depth of his spiritual understanding. Almost every sin had a specific sacrifice that had to be performed for the forgiveness of that sin under the old Law, but adultery was punished by death. So was murder. There was no sacrifice for the forgiveness of these sins. God had forgiven David. So there had to be more to forgiveness than just animal sacrifices. This incident forced David to understand something spiritually that many of us still fail at today. There is nothing we can do to win forgiveness. It is the gift of God. What he requires is the "broken and contrite heart." I don't know that this is the major point of this incident to Dad, but it is something he saw that I didn't. Sometimes our biggest failures cause us to grow in the biggest ways.

It is interesting to me that three people looked at the same incident recorded in scripture and learned three different lessons from it. All of the lessons are valid and supported by the scriptures. We each came at the same material from different starting points of personal experience, personal Bible knowledge and different points of spiritual growth. While we may good-naturedly argue about which is the "main" point, I doubt that there would be much disagreement between us that all of these points are valid and can help others to grow. 

Wow, someone can read the same passage I did and come to a different conclusion than I did and it not be wrong? I wonder what other issues of greater import this might be true of.  Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to condemn my brethren.  Maybe I should try to view them through love instead of the narrow lens of immediate judgment.

Lucas Ward

Today's post is by guest writer Joanne Beckley.

Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.]  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil [one.]  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

Whatever task we face will require the armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-19, (perhaps prompted from Isaiah 59:17) for we face Satan every day as he tries to destroy every good thought and deed. Even the apostle Paul felt compelled to ask for prayer on his behalf as he faced the wiles of the devil while carrying the gospel to the lost. The book of Ephesians was one of Paul’s letters written from prison. During Paul’s time in prison he obviously became well acquainted with the armor worn and carried by his captors in the Roman army. Following Isaiah’s lead (Isaiah 59:17), Paul drew a powerful comparison between a soldier’s armor and the spiritual armor of God.

For us, our own temptations may only be the day-to-day variety in facing the challenge of a new day, or we may be dealing with increased pain or grief. God provides these six areas, including prayer, in living the life of a Christian, to strengthen and protect us and help us triumph over Satan in our spiritual battles. Each piece of the armor of God is essential, and the Bible tells us how to put them on and use them effectively.

Paul emphasized that with God’s help we are “to stand”. We will be able to hold the line, to not retreat, to not give up an inch of God’s territory. If God’s army is fighting for us in heaven than by all means we should be ever diligent concerning the spirit of faith within us and for those that are fighting for us! (see 2Kings 6:14-17) 2Ki 6:17 Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Notice the invisible guard of angels that encompass and defend us, Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

THE BELT: A belt was a critical piece of equipment to be put on, and it secures all the other pieces of our armor. Wearing the belt showed that the soldier was ready for action, since he would only loosen his belt when he went off duty. Truth should surround us like a belt. Knowing God’s truth is the ONLY source that will fight Satan’s lies and deception. And to be truly ready for the battle, we must be completely truthful ourselves in our inner being. As Jesus said, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Paul exhorted us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: The breastplate protects the most vulnerable area of the body. To be righteous is first of all to believe, repent, be baptized, to be forgiven of our sins (Acts 2:38) through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that justifies us and makes us right with God (Romans 5:9). In gratitude we should strive to do what is right in God’s eyes. Psalm 119:172 tells us that God’s commandments are righteousness. Obeying God is beneficial, not burdensome (Deuteronomy 10:13; 1 John 5:3).

SHOES WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE: Not barefoot, but shod, just as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar realized the benefit in traveling over rough terrain, held firm with spikes on the soles. The word “preparation,” denoting being prepared and ready, reminds us that we are to be eager to preach the gospel of peace. Romans 10:15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Isa 52:7).

SHIELD OF FAITH: When our faith in God and His love is strong, it is impossible for Satan to break through our shield and land a blow. If you notice how a long-ago army fought, the presence of a wall of shields required many soldiers working together. Together we too will be able to take on any challenge, strengthening each other with our faith, building up and serving together as we are able.

HELMET OF SALVATION: The heart of our hope. We can receive tremendous comfort by focusing on the incredible sacrifice Jesus Christ gave to save us and the wonderful Kingdom in which we now serve, looking for the hope of our salvation.

THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT: The sword of the Spirit, like the Roman gladius, their offensive weapon, can also help us to conquer all our enemies, including that most difficult one, our human weaknesses. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” We must continually sharpen it with regular and focused Bible study. By studying the Word of God daily, we can have God’s wisdom in the forefront of our minds, ready to help us make wise choices to fight off Satan’s attacks.

WITH ALL PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION: Praying reminds us we are in the battle of our lives, and it reminds us of the source of our strength and defense. How often do we fail to talk to God or are our prayers without depth? Surely not. Watch out for “me” trouble and don’t forget to give thanks.

Eph. 6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Taken from various resources

Joanne Beckley