Ruth 2  (HCSB)Ruth and Boaz Meet 2 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side named Boaz. He was a prominent man of noble character from Elimelech’s family. 2 Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone who allows me to?” Naomi answered her, “Go ahead, my daughter.” 3 So Ruth left and entered the field to gather grain behind the ha...  Read More

Ruth 1  (HCSB)Naomi’s Family in Moab1 During the time of the judges, there was a famine in the land. A man left Bethlehem in Judah with his wife and two sons to live in the land of Moab for a while. 2 The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife’s name was Naomi. The names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They entered the land of Moab and settle...  Read More

A RESPONSE TO PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITYLet no other teaching draw you away from the true gospel of Christ.KEY TRUTH: Guard Against Progressive Christianity’s Different Gospel (Galatians 1:6-12)KEY TRUTH: Guard Against Progressive Christianity’s False Teachers (2 Corinthians 11:1-33)KEY TRUTH: Prepare Ourselves and Others to Combat False Gospels and False Teachers (Matthew 7:15-20; Acts 20:28-31)...  Read More

1.  There are a lot of labels in our churches today. There is Progressive Christianity; Prosperity Gospel; Reformed Theology; Calvinism; Arminianism and many more. What do you know about these labels? If nothing else, you might want to do a little research. Why? Because you want to make sure your church is scripturally accurate. Why is it important to know and apply God’s Word to our lives correct...  Read More

2 Corinthians 11:22-33 (HCSB)22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, near death many times. 24 Five times I received 39 lashes from Jews. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods by the Romans. Once I ...  Read More

2 Corinthians 11:16-21 (HCSB)Paul’s Sufferings for Christ 16 I repeat: No one should consider me a fool. But if you do, at least accept me as a fool, so I too may boast a little. 17 What I say in this matter of boasting, I don’t speak as the Lord would, but foolishly. 18 Since many boast in an unspiritual way, I will also boast. 19 For you, being so wise, gladly put up with fools! 20 In fact, you ...  Read More

2 Corinthians 11:12-15  (HCSB)12 But I will continue to do what I am doing, in order to deny the opportunity of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as our equals in what they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no great thing ...  Read More

2 Corinthians 11:7-11 (HCSB)7 Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by taking pay from them to minister to you. 9 When I was present with you and in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have kept myself, and will keep myself,...  Read More

2 Corinthians 11:1-6  (HCSB)Paul and the False Apostles 11 I wish you would put up with a little foolishness from me. Yes, do put up with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be seduced from a complete and pure de...  Read More

GOD'S SUFFICIENT GRACERather than boasting about your strengths, boast about how God helps you in your weaknesses.KEY TRUTH: Believers Seek to Exalt God, Not Themselves (2 Corinthians 12:1-6)KEY TRUTH: God Sometimes Uses Difficulty to Keep Us Humble and Dependent on Him (2 Corinthians 12:7)KEY TRUTH: God Sometimes Uses Difficulty to Keep Us Humble and Dependent on Him (2 Corinthians 12:7)FAMILY CO...  Read More

1.  From 2 Cor. 12:9, in what ways have you experienced that God’s grace is sufficient enough?  What do you think it means that Paul ‘boasted’ and ‘took pleasure’ in his weaknesses?2. Have you ever loved someone that didn’t feel likewise? Why is unreturned love so hard? Was that love worth pursuing? Why is Jesus’ love so different and important? (see 1 John 4:16-19)3. Based on 2 Cor. 13:5, what ar...  Read More

2 Corinthians 13:11-13  (HCSB)11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. 13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.Patrick Nix Paul ends his letter with a profo...  Read More