Episodios

  • A Biblical Examination of the Sufficiency of Christ -- J. Allen Mashburn

    A Biblical Examination of the Sufficiency of Christ -- J. Allen Mashburn
    Jun 30 2025
    The sufficiency of Christ affirms that Jesus Christ is wholly adequate to meet every need of the believer—salvation, sanctification, provision, and intercession. This doctrine stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering assurance and direction in a world filled with competing ideologies and self-reliance. In salvation, Christ’s exclusive role as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and His singular name for salvation (Acts 4:12) establish that His once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12-14) fully atones for sin, requiring no additional works or mediators. For sanctification, Christ initiates and completes the believer’s transformation (Philippians 1:6), with His Spirit and Word conforming them to His image (2 Corinthians 3:18) and rendering them complete in Him (Colossians 2:9-10). In provision, Christ meets all needs—material, emotional, and spiritual—according to His infinite riches (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:31-33), with His grace proving sufficient even in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). As High Priest, Christ’s ongoing intercession ensures believers are saved to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25), secure from condemnation (Romans 8:34), and represented by a righteous advocate when they sin (1 John 2:1-2). For believers today, Christ’s sufficiency counters cultural pressures to seek fulfillment in self-effort, materialism, or pluralism. It calls Christians to trust solely in Christ, rest in His finished work, proclaim His adequacy, and persevere through trials by His grace. This truth fosters a life of faith, rooted in spiritual disciplines and bold witness, assuring believers that Christ is enough for every challenge and need. In Him, they find complete salvation, transformation, provision, and advocacy—now and forever.
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    25 m
  • Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 6:1-4 | J. Allen Mashburn

    Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 6:1-4 | J. Allen Mashburn
    Jun 29 2025

    Ephesians 6:1-4 instructs children to obey and honor their parents, as this aligns with God’s command and carries a promise of blessing and long life. Parents, particularly fathers, are urged not to provoke their children to anger but to raise them with godly discipline and instruction, fostering their spiritual growth in a loving manner.
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    28 m
  • Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:22--6:4 | J. Allen Mashburn

    Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:22--6:4 | J. Allen Mashburn
    Jun 27 2025

    Ephesians 5:22–6:4 outlines Christian household relationships, emphasizing mutual love and respect. Wives are called to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, while husbands are instructed to love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loves the church. Children are to obey their parents in the Lord, and fathers are urged to raise their children with discipline and instruction in the faith, without provoking them to anger. The passage underscores Christ-centered roles, fostering harmony and godliness in the family.
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    28 m
  • Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:21 | J. Allen Mashburn

    Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:21 | J. Allen Mashburn
    Jun 24 2025
    This verse is about how Christians should treat each other with humility and respect. It’s part of a bigger section in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians about living a godly life (Ephesians 5:1-20) and leads into advice about relationships like marriage and family (Ephesians 5:22–6:9). "Submitting yourselves" means choosing to put others first, not because you have to, but because you want to show love and kindness, just like Jesus did (Philippians 2:5-8). The words "one to another" mean everyone in the church should do this for each other, no matter who they are. It’s about working together as equals to build a loving community (Romans 12:10). The reason for this attitude is "the fear of God," which means respecting and honoring God. It’s not about being scared but about living in a way that pleases Him. When we do this, our actions come from a heart that loves God, not just following rules. This verse teaches that Christians should act with humility and care in all relationships. Instead of trying to be in charge, we should serve others, like Jesus did (Mark 10:42-45). By doing this, we create peace and show the world what God’s love looks like. Ephesians 5:21 calls us to live selflessly, making our churches and homes places of unity and support.
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    27 m
  • Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:18-21 | J. Allen Mashburn

    Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:18-21 | J. Allen Mashburn
    May 23 2025

    In our text, Paul is telling the Ephesian believers what the Spirit-filled life is all about. He tells them that when they are walking in the Spirit, there will be some evidence of His presence in their midst. It is that truth that I would like to focus in on this evening. I want to share with you the Evidence Of The Spirit Filled Life. When you and I are filled with the Holy Ghost, we will still speak English, but we will be more like Jesus than we have ever been. That is what the Spirit of God wants to do in your life and mine. He wants to duplicate the life of Christ in every saved individual. Are you filled with the Spirit this evening? Let's check the evidence and see where we stand.
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    24 m
  • A Biblical Examination of John 14:1-3 | J. Allen Mashburn

    A Biblical Examination of John 14:1-3 | J. Allen Mashburn
    May 8 2025
    Biblical Exposition of John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3 stands as one of the most comforting and hope-filled passages in the New Testament, spoken by Jesus to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. These verses form part of the Farewell Discourse (John 13–17), where Jesus prepares His followers for His imminent departure. The words are tender and pastoral, addressing both immediate emotional distress and eternal hope. Verse 1: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." The opening command, "Let not your heart be troubled," is a present imperative in the Greek implying a continuous action: "Stop being troubled, and do not allow yourselves to remain troubled." The disciples were understandably anxious. Jesus had just announced His departure (John 13:33), Peter’s denial (John 13:38), and Judas’ betrayal (John 13:21-30). Their world was unraveling, yet Jesus calls them to a posture of trust. The phrase "ye believe in God, believe also in me" uses the verb pisteuete, as imperative ("believe"). Jesus is urging them to extend their trust in God to Himself. This establishes His divine authority and unity with the Father, a recurring theme in John (cf. John 10:30, 14:9). The call to faith is both a remedy for their troubled hearts and a foundation for the promises that follow. The heart is the seat of emotion, will, and intellect. Jesus addresses their emotional turmoil with a command to anchor their faith in Him. This sets the tone for the passage: trust in Christ’s person and promises is the antidote to fear and uncertainty. Verse 2: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." This verse introduces the future hope central to the passage. The phrase "my Father's house" refers to heaven, the dwelling place of God (cf. Psalm 33:13-14; Isaiah 63:15). The term "mansions" translates the Greek (monai), meaning "dwelling places" or "rooms." While the KJV’s "mansions" make one think of grandeur, the emphasis is on permanence and personal space within God’s household, not necessarily a palatial spread. The phrase "are many mansions" is in the present tense in Greek underscoring a current reality. Heaven’s capacity is vast, with room for all of Christ’s followers. Jesus’ parenthetical remark, "if it were not so, I would have told you," reinforces His truthfulness and pastoral care. He would not allow His disciples to cling to a false hope. The clause "I go to prepare a place for you" is most important. The verb "I go" is in the present tense, and "prepare" is in the future tense in Greek, but contextually it carries a futuristic present sense. In Greek grammar, the futuristic present describes a future event with such certainty that it is spoken of as already occurring. Jesus’ departure (via His death, resurrection, and ascension) is the means by which He will prepare this place, and the certainty of His mission is as good as accomplished. The Personalized Place: The phrase "a place for you" is deeply personal. The "you" is plural, encompassing all believers, yet the singular word, “place.” suggests individuality. Christ is not preparing a generic dwelling but a tailored space for each believer within the Father’s house. This reflects the intimate knowledge and care Jesus has for His own (cf. John 10:14, 27). The verb "prepare" implies deliberate, purposeful action, akin to a host readying a home for cherished guests. This act of preparation underscores Christ’s ongoing intercessory work in heaven (Hebrews 7:25) and His role as the forerunner who secures our eternal home (Hebrews 6:20). The image of "many dwelling places" counters any notion of exclusivity or scarcity in God’s kingdom. The individualized "place" reveals Christ’s tender care, as He crafts a space suited to each believer’s unique identity and relationship with Him. This personalization is the pinnacle of divine love, showing that each child of God is constantly on Christ’s mind, valued, and cherished for eternity. Verse 3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." This verse completes the promise with the assurance of Christ’s return. The conditional "if I go" is not doubtful but a first-class condition in Greek, assuming the reality of the action: "since I go." The verbs "prepare" and "will come again" are linked, showing that Christ’s departure and return are part of a unified redemptive plan. The phrase "I will come again" is in the futuristic present tense, emphasizing certainty. In...
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    29 m
  • Biblical Faith | Mark 11:20-26 | J. Allen Mashburn

    Biblical Faith | Mark 11:20-26 | J. Allen Mashburn
    May 4 2025

    Intro: Genuine, biblical faith is a miracle! Faith in God is something we do not possess naturally. Eph. 2:8 tells us that faith is “the gift of God.” God enables us to believe in Him for salvation, then He gives every believer some “measure of faith”, Rom. 12:3. That is, God empowers His children to believe Him, to serve Him, to glorify Him through the power of the faith in Him that He gives to us!

    This outworking of faith in God’s people has allowed them see demonstrations of God’s power that boggle the mind. It has allowed them to receive answers to prayers for things that appeared impossible.

    Consider the following:

    Joshua 10:12-14 – Joshua commanded the sun to stand still so Israel could defeat the Amorites.

    Isaiah 38:1-6 – King Hezekiah was told that he would die. He prayed to the Lord and God added 15 years to his life.

    Genesis 22:1-14 – Abraham was told to sacrifice his son Isaac, who was the son of promise. He obeyed by faith and God spared Isaac, providing a ram in his place.

    Joshua 14:6-16 – 85 year old Caleb believed God for the power to defeat a mountain infested with giants. God gave him that mountain.

    1 Samuel 17:1-54 – A teenage boy named David believed God for the power to defeat a giant named Goliath. God gave him the victory.

    Daniel 3:1-30 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed God to keep them from the power of a pagan king and a fiery furnace. God met them in the furnace and protected them there.

    Many, many more examples could be given, Ill. Heb. 11:32-35, but these are enough to teach about the power of biblical faith in God.

    The passage before us today magnifies the power of biblical faith.

    On Monday morning of the Lord’s Passion Week, as Jesus his disciples walked toward Jerusalem, Jesus cursed a fig tree, 11:12-14. When they passed by the next day, the fig tree was dried up. Jesus uses this experience to teach His disciples a lesson about Biblical Faith.
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    28 m
  • A Biblical Exposition on the Bodily Resurrection of Christ: Its Meaning for the World and the Believer

    A Biblical Exposition on the Bodily Resurrection of Christ: Its Meaning for the World and the Believer
    Apr 25 2025
    A Biblical Exposition on the Bodily Resurrection of Christ: Its Meaning for the World and the Believer The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, a historical and theological truth that reverberates through time, shaping the destiny of humanity and the hope of every believer. The resurrection is not merely a symbolic or spiritual event but a physical, bodily reality that validates Christ’s identity as the Son of God, secures salvation for believers, and guarantees the future resurrection of all who trust in Him. Today we will explore the biblical teaching on Christ’s resurrection, its implications for the world and the believer, the consequences if Christ had not risen (as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15), and the hope of our future resurrection grounded in His triumph over death I. The Fact of Christ’s Bodily Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a well-attested historical event, recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20–21) and affirmed throughout the New Testament. It was not a hallucination, a spiritual metaphor, or a myth, but a physical reality witnessed by many. John 20:27–29 “Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Jesus’ invitation to Thomas to touch His wounds demonstrates the physicality of His resurrected body. This was no ghost or vision; Christ’s body bore the marks of crucifixion, yet He was alive, speaking, and interacting. Thomas’s response, “My Lord and my God,” reflects the magnificent weight of the resurrection: it confirms Jesus’ deity and lordship. The blessing pronounced on those who believe without seeing extends the resurrection’s significance to all believers across generations, calling us to faith in the testimony of Scripture. Luke 24:39–40 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.” Jesus explicitly counters any notion that His resurrection was merely spiritual. His body was tangible, composed of “flesh and bones,” yet glorified, able to transcend physical limitations (e.g., appearing in locked rooms, John 20:19). The continuity of His body (bearing crucifixion scars) and its transformation (no longer subject to death) reveal the nature of the resurrection body—both physical and glorified. This is the prototype for the believer’s future resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” Paul’s summary of the gospel emphasizes the resurrection as a historical fact, corroborated by multiple eyewitnesses. The appearances to Peter, the apostles, over 500 brethren, James, and Paul himself provide overwhelming testimony. The phrase “of whom the greater part remain unto this present” invites scrutiny, as living witnesses could be questioned at the time of Paul’s writing. The resurrection fulfills Old Testament prophecy (“according to the scriptures,” e.g., Psalm 16:10), anchoring it in God’s redemptive plan. II. The Significance of Christ’s Resurrection for the World The resurrection of Christ is not an isolated event but a cosmic turning point with implications for all creation. It declares God’s victory over sin, death, and Satan, and it reshapes the world’s destiny. Romans 1:4 “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The resurrection is God’s public declaration of Jesus’ divine sonship. It validates His claims to be the Messiah and the Son of God, distinguishing Him from all other religious figures. For the world, this means Jesus is the rightful Lord and Judge (Acts 17:31). The resurrection demands a response: acceptance of Christ’s lordship or rejection, with eternal consequences. Acts 17:30–31 “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he ...
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    27 m