The Cincinnati Church

Paul on Mars’ Hill (Acts 17:16-34)

I. This study should accomplish 4 primary things:
1. Show that many times God’s people are no different from the heathen.
2. Observe and relate to the nature and thinking of unconverted men.
3. Demonstrate how to successfully preach the gospel to heathen, unchurched men.
4. Demonstrate how preaching the gospel will sort out men and reveal what manner of spirit they are.

II. God’s people are often times no different than the heathen (v. 16-17).

SERVING GOD FROM THE HEART

I.
Jesus Christ knows men's hearts. JOH 2:25 c/w MAT 9:4; HEB 4:12.
A.
He routinely searches and proves His people's hearts. REV 2:23; DEU 8:2.
B.
Outward appearances do not carry much weight with God. 1SAM 16:7; JOH 7:24.
C.
He is at least as interested in inward devotion and motivation as He is in outward
obedience. MAR 12:32-34.
D.
Obedience should come from the heart. EPH 6:5-6; ROM 6:17.
1.
From one's heart: “Out of the depths of one's soul, with the sincerest or deepest
feeling.”
2.

Psalm 42
I.
This Psalm contains the expressions of a soul that loves God, which is the heart of true religion.
MAT 22:37-40; 1CO 13:1-3; 1JO 4:8, 16.
A.
It is commonly supposed that David penned it when he was driven by Absalom's rebellion
from Jerusalem and beyond Jordan. 2SAM 17:22.
B.
Whether David penned this Psalm or not, it is certainly applicable to his experience.
C.
Matthew Henry said that this Psalm expressed “...a conflict between sense and faith, sense
objecting and faith answering.”
II.
The Psalmist yearns for the presence of God.
A.

The Reign of Antichrist
I.
We do not need to know the times and the seasons. 1TH 5:1.
II.
The time of the day of the Lord is unknown. 1TH 5:2; MAT 24:42-44; MAR 13:32.
III.
The day of the Lord brings destruction upon the antichrist system. 1TH 5:3.
IV.
1JO 2:18 prophesies of the coming of antichrist. Anti is a prefix meaning “opposite,
against, in exchange, instead, representing, rivalling or simulating.” There is coming a
Christ who will simulate and rival the true Christ.
V.
2TH 2:1-12 sets forth the coming of antichrist who poses as God.
A.

The Healing of the Palsied Man

(Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26)
I.
Mark 2:1-12 will be the basis of this study.
II.
Palsy: “A disease of the nervous system, characterized by impairment or suspension of muscular
action or sensation, esp. of voluntary motion, and, in some forms, by involuntary tremors of the
limbs; paralysis.”
III.
This event took place at Capernaum which was then Jesus' home town.
MAR 2:1 c/w MAT 9:1; 4:13.
A.
Jesus had just left the land of the Gadarenes where He was not welcome. MAT 8:34.
B.

Offending the Little Ones (Mat 18:1-14)

I. This study should be both convicting and edifying. The following should be accomplished:
1. Understand what is meant by “offending” and “despising” little children.
2. Learn how to not offend and despise little children.
3. Learn how Mat 18:8-9 fits with the rest of Mat 18:1-14.

II. The reason for Jesus’ discourse.

1. The disciples asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Mat 18:1).
A. They had been reasoning among themselves about who should be the greatest (Luk 9:46).

Social Relationships
I.
Discretion is a necessary aspect of our faith. PSA 112:5; PRO 1:1-4; 2:10-20; 3:21-22.
A.
Discretion: The action of separating or distinguishing, or condition of being distinguished
or disjunct; separation, disjunction, distinction.
B.
We are to distinguish between good and evil by proving all things. 1TH 5:21.
1.
Prove: To make trial of, try, test.
2.
This proving process is to determine what is good and therefore acceptable to God.
EPH 5:8-10.
3.
In holding fast that which is good, we must contrarily reject and despise that which
is evil. ROM 12:9.

The Biblical Mode of Baptism
I.
This study is an answer to a challenge by a Pedobaptist preacher (Pastor Jon Smith) who affirms
that the Bible does not teach immersion as the proper form of Christian baptism but rather
sprinkling or pouring. Other Pedobaptist arguments will also be considered and answered.
II.
Consider some evidence from definitions and usage.
A.
Baptize: (etym.) “to immerse, bathe, wash, drench,’ in Christian use appropriated to the
religious rite, ....to dip, plunge, bathe.” (O.E.D.)
B.

The Biblical Mode of Baptism
I.
This study is an answer to a challenge by a Pedobaptist preacher (Pastor Jon Smith) who affirms
that the Bible does not teach immersion as the proper form of Christian baptism but rather
sprinkling or pouring. Other Pedobaptist arguments will also be considered and answered.
II.
Consider some evidence from definitions and usage.
A.
Baptize: (etym.) “to immerse, bathe, wash, drench,’ in Christian use appropriated to the
religious rite, ....to dip, plunge, bathe.” (O.E.D.)
B.

The Bible Concerning Salvation (Part 2)

The Biblical Mode of Baptism
I.
This study is an answer to a challenge by a Pedobaptist preacher (Pastor Jon Smith) who affirms
that the Bible does not teach immersion as the proper form of Christian baptism but rather
sprinkling or pouring. Other Pedobaptist arguments will also be considered and answered.
II.
Consider some evidence from definitions and usage.
A.
Baptize: (etym.) “to immerse, bathe, wash, drench,’ in Christian use appropriated to the
religious rite, ....to dip, plunge, bathe.” (O.E.D.)
B.

Concerning Prayer

Concerning Prayer

Instruction is needed concerning prayer. LUK 11:1; MAR 11:17; ROM 8:26.
A.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God could not possibly stoop to hear
their request. JOB 15:15-16; 9:16, 32-33 ct/w HEB 4:15-16; 1JO 2:1.
B.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God will automatically grant any
request. MAT 7:7; 18:19 ct/w PRO 1:21, 28; 2CO 12:7-9.
C.
Without proper instruction, people may pray for things that they ought not to pray for.
JAM 4:3.
D.

Concerning Prayer

Instruction is needed concerning prayer. LUK 11:1; MAR 11:17; ROM 8:26.
A.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God could not possibly stoop to hear
their request. JOB 15:15-16; 9:16, 32-33 ct/w HEB 4:15-16; 1JO 2:1.
B.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God will automatically grant any
request. MAT 7:7; 18:19 ct/w PRO 1:21, 28; 2CO 12:7-9.
C.
Without proper instruction, people may pray for things that they ought not to pray for.
JAM 4:3.
D.
Without proper instruction, people may pray for people that they ought not to pray for.

Brother Dave Ashworth fills the pulpit and preaches on Thankfulness.

Concerning Prayer

Instruction is needed concerning prayer. LUK 11:1; MAR 11:17; ROM 8:26.
A.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God could not possibly stoop to hear
their request. JOB 15:15-16; 9:16, 32-33 ct/w HEB 4:15-16; 1JO 2:1.
B.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God will automatically grant any
request. MAT 7:7; 18:19 ct/w PRO 1:21, 28; 2CO 12:7-9.
C.
Without proper instruction, people may pray for things that they ought not to pray for.
JAM 4:3.
D.
Without proper instruction, people may pray for people that they ought not to pray for.

Concerning Prayer

I. Instruction is needed concerning prayer. LUK 11:1; MAR 11:17; ROM 8:26.
A. Without proper instruction, people may assume that God could not possibly stoop to hear
their request. JOB 15:15-16; 9:16, 32-33 ct/w HEB 4:15-16; 1JO 2:1.
B. Without proper instruction, people may assume that God will automatically grant any
request. MAT 7:7; 18:19 ct/w PRO 1:21, 28; 2CO 12:7-9.
C. Without proper instruction, people may pray for things that they ought not to pray for.
JAM 4:3.
D.
Without proper instruction, people may pray for people that they ought not to pray for.

Concerning Prayer

I.

Instruction is needed concerning prayer. LUK 11:1; MAR 11:17; ROM 8:26.
A.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God could not possibly stoop to hear
their request. JOB 15:15-16; 9:16, 32-33 ct/w HEB 4:15-16; 1JO 2:1.
B.
Without proper instruction, people may assume that God will automatically grant any
request. MAT 7:7; 18:19 ct/w PRO 1:21, 28; 2CO 12:7-9.
C.
Without proper instruction, people may pray for things that they ought not to pray for.
JAM 4:3.
D.

Daniel 4

A. This chapter is a profound lesson against pride. v. 37.
B. These are the words of a pagan king which the Holy Spirit chose to include in the Scriptural
record.
1.
That Nebuchadnezzars' words are recorded as part of Scripture here (and good words they
are!) is one thing, but to be adamant that he was a child of God is entirely another. Balaam,
the false prophet, likewise spoke great swelling words concerning God which were
recorded for our comfort, patience and admonition (NUM 23-24). But, for such as him are
reserved the mists of darkness forever. 2PE 2:15-18.
2.

The Bible Concerning Salvation

I.

Man is presented in three states in Scripture.
A.
Man in a state of innocency but capable of falling. GEN 1:26-28, 31; 2:15-17.
B.
Man in a state of sin and incapable of recovery.
1.
GEN 2:17. Man died the day he partook of the forbidden fruit. EPH 2:1-3.
2.
The total posterity of Adam is affected. GEN 5:1-3; ROM 5:12, 17-19.
3.
Men are sinners by NATURE (EPH 2:3). All are sinners from:
a.
youth. GEN 8:21; PRO 22:15.
b.
birth. PSA 58:3.
c.
conception. PSA 51:5.
4.
Consider the Biblical description of fallen man.
a.

The Superior Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

I.

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is superior to the sacrifices of the law.
A.
Christ's sacrifice puts away sin. HEB 10:4, 11-18, 1:3.
B.
It perfects the sanctified. HEB 10:1, 14.
C.
It vitally purges the conscience rather than merely ceremonially purging.
HEB 9:9, 13-14; 10:2.
1.
Our works apart from the blood of Christ are dead works, of no effect.
2.
Christ did not die to exempt us from service to God, but to make our service
acceptable.
D.
The offering is Christ Himself. HEB 8:3; 7:26-27; 9:14, 26; 10:4-10.
1.

Apparel

I.

The successful presentation, reception and application of a study about apparel will largely depend
on whether or not one thinks that discretion should influence Christian conduct.
A.
Scripture commends the exercise of discretion. PSA 112:5; PRO 1:1-4; 2:10-20; 3:21-22.
1.
Discretion: The action of separating or distinguishing, or condition of being
distinguished or disjunct; separation, disjunction, distinction.
2.
Discreet: Showing discernment or judgement in the guidance of one's own speech

Apparel

I.

The successful presentation, reception and application of a study about apparel will largely depend
on whether or not one thinks that discretion should influence Christian conduct.
A.
Scripture commends the exercise of discretion. PSA 112:5; PRO 1:1-4; 2:10-20; 3:21-22.
1.
Discretion: The action of separating or distinguishing, or condition of being
distinguished or disjunct; separation, disjunction, distinction.
2.
Discreet: Showing discernment or judgement in the guidance of one's own speech

The Bible Concerning Salvation

I.

Man is presented in three states in Scripture.
A.
Man in a state of innocency but capable of falling. GEN 1:26-28, 31; 2:15-17.
B.
Man in a state of sin and incapable of recovery.
1.
GEN 2:17. Man died the day he partook of the forbidden fruit. EPH 2:1-3.
2.
The total posterity of Adam is affected. GEN 5:1-3; ROM 5:12, 17-19.
3.
Men are sinners by NATURE (EPH 2:3). All are sinners from:
a.
youth. GEN 8:21; PRO 22:15.
b.
birth. PSA 58:3.
c.
conception. PSA 51:5.
4.
Consider the Biblical description of fallen man.
a.

The Christian and Moses' Law

I.

This lesson deals with the relationship that N.T. Christians have with that covenant that God
made with the nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai in Horeb through the ministry of Moses.
DEU 5:1-4; NEH 9:13-14; MAL 4:4.
A.
Covenant: A mutual agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing
certain acts; a compact, contract, bargain; sometimes, the undertaking, pledge or promise
of one of the parties.
B.
See EXO 19:1-8.
C.
This covenant included the laws given to Israel. EXO 19:5-6; DEU 4:10-13.
D.

The Christian and Moses' Law

I.

This lesson deals with the relationship that N.T. Christians have with that covenant that God
made with the nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai in Horeb through the ministry of Moses.
DEU 5:1-4; NEH 9:13-14; MAL 4:4.
A.
Covenant: A mutual agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing
certain acts; a compact, contract, bargain; sometimes, the undertaking, pledge or promise
of one of the parties.
B.
See EXO 19:1-8.
C.
This covenant included the laws given to Israel. EXO 19:5-6; DEU 4:10-13.
D.

The Christian and Moses' Law

I.

This lesson deals with the relationship that N.T. Christians have with that covenant that God
made with the nation of Israel at Mt. Sinai in Horeb through the ministry of Moses.
DEU 5:1-4; NEH 9:13-14; MAL 4:4.
A.
Covenant: A mutual agreement between two or more persons to do or refrain from doing
certain acts; a compact, contract, bargain; sometimes, the undertaking, pledge or promise
of one of the parties.
B.
See EXO 19:1-8.
C.
This covenant included the laws given to Israel. EXO 19:5-6; DEU 4:10-13.
D.

Moses' Priorities of Faith

I.

Moses' faith led him to prioritize things properly. HEB 11:24-27.

II.

Moses chose Christ, His people and suffering over luxury, power and pleasure. HEB 11:24-26.
A.
“By faith...” (v. 24). Moses acted upon the word of God. ROM 10:17.
1.
It is by faith that we have a good report. vs. 2, 39 c/w 3JO 1:12.
2.
Faith is obedience to divine instruction that does not depend on human reason or
experience. 2CO 4:18; 5:7; HEB 11:1-3, 7-8, 27.
3.
Faith is at least as much about doing as it is about hearing.

The Bible Concerning Salvation

I.

Man is presented in three states in Scripture.
A.
Man in a state of innocency but capable of falling. GEN 1:26-28, 31; 2:15-17.
B.
Man in a state of sin and incapable of recovery.
1.
GEN 2:17. Man died the day he partook of the forbidden fruit. EPH 2:1-3.
2.
The total posterity of Adam is affected. GEN 5:1-3; ROM 5:12, 17-19.
3.
Men are sinners by NATURE (EPH 2:3). All are sinners from:
a.
youth. GEN 8:21; PRO 22:15.
b.
birth. PSA 58:3.
c.
conception. PSA 51:5.
4.
Consider the Biblical description of fallen man.
a.

1 Timothy 4:1-6

A.

Paul had just summed up the “mystery of godliness” (1TI 3:16). He here essentially contrasts that
with a detailing of the “mystery of iniquity” (2TH 2:7).
What follows is an expressly spoken prophecy pertinent to the latter times.
1.
Expressly: In full detail; in direct or plain terms, clearly, explicitly, definitely.
2.
Latter: Belonging to a subsequent or comparatively advanced period; later.
3.
There is no way from this text alone to be specific as to what exact time frame is under
consideration.
4.

The Parables of Matthew 13

I.

There are eight parables in Matthew 13 that speak of the kingdom of heaven.
A.
There is the parable of the sower. vs. 3-8.
B.
There is the parable of the wheat and tares. vs. 24-30.
C.
There is the parable of mustard seed. vs. 31-32.
D.
There is the parable of the leavened meal. v. 33.
E.
There is the parable of the treasure hid in a field. v. 44.
F.
There is the parable of the pearl of great price. vs. 45-46.
G.
There is the parable of the net. vs. 47-50.
H.
There is the parable of the householder. v. 52.
I.

The Bible Concerning Salvation

I.

Man is presented in three states in Scripture.
A.
Man in a state of innocency but capable of falling. GEN 1:26-28, 31; 2:15-17.
B.
Man in a state of sin and incapable of recovery.
1.
GEN 2:17. Man died the day he partook of the forbidden fruit. EPH 2:1-3.
2.
The total posterity of Adam is affected. GEN 5:1-3; ROM 5:12, 17-19.
3.
Men are sinners by NATURE (EPH 2:3). All are sinners from:
a.
youth. GEN 8:21; PRO 22:15.
b.
birth. PSA 58:3.
c.
conception. PSA 51:5.
4.
Consider the Biblical description of fallen man.
a.

The Parables of Matthew 13

I.

There are eight parables in Matthew 13 that speak of the kingdom of heaven.
A.
There is the parable of the sower. vs. 3-8.
B.
There is the parable of the wheat and tares. vs. 24-30.
C.
There is the parable of mustard seed. vs. 31-32.
D.
There is the parable of the leavened meal. v. 33.
E.
There is the parable of the treasure hid in a field. v. 44.
F.
There is the parable of the pearl of great price. vs. 45-46.
G.
There is the parable of the net. vs. 47-50.
H.
There is the parable of the householder. v. 52.
I.

Leviticus 10
A. Leviticus sets forth the laws that governed the priesthood which sprang from Levi.
B. Leviticus was Israel's order of divine service. HEB 9:1.
C. Among other things, Leviticus provides us with principles and patterns of service to God, and is
therefore profitable and educational. HEB 8:4-5; 2TI 3:16; ROM 15:4.
1. Baptized believers are a holy, royal priesthood of God's spiritual house, the church.
1PE 2:5, 9 c/w 1TI 3:15.
2. There is a limited correspondence between O.T. priests and N.T. ministers of Jesus Christ.
1CO 9:13-14.