Berean Bible Church

Selective Love Romans 9:7-13 January 29, 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:24:52 -0800

We are studying Romans chapter 9, and we have seen that it is theodicy-a vindication, or defense, of God. In the first five verses Paul gives us an introduction to this section. He tells us of his love for Israel. He says that he wished he could take their curse, implying that they were under the curse of God. This raises all kinds of questions. What about all the promises that God made to Israel? Has God’s Word failed? Has God gone back on His promises? Those questions are extremely important. If it can be shown that God does not keep his word, what good is the Bible to us?

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January , 29th, 2012. Media #587. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Defining "Israel" Romans 9:6 January 22, 2012

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:45:54 -0800

Have you ever found yourself defending God? I’m sure you have heard things from people such as, "If God is love how could He allow that to happen?" Which is an accusation against God’s love. The Bible says that God is love, but many question that when things don’t go their way. Some say, "It’s not fair that innocent people suffer and babies die." Or, "it’s not right that men like Hitler, Jeffery Dalmar, or Ted Bundy were allowed to live. There’s no justice when good people struggle and wicked people live in great prosperity."

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January , 22nd, 2012. Media #586. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Paul’s Love For Israel Romans 9:1-5 January 15, 2012

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:31:13 -0800

Have you ever found yourself defending God? I’m sure you have heard things from people such as, "If God is love how could He allow that to happen?" Which is an accusation against God’s love. The Bible says that God is love, but many question that when things don’t go their way. Some say, "It’s not fair that innocent people suffer and babies die." Or, "it’s not right that men like Hitler, Jeffery Dalmar, or Ted Bundy were allowed to live. There’s no justice when good people struggle and wicked people live in great prosperity."

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January , 15th, 2012. Media #585. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

God Is For Us! Romans 8:31-39. January 8, 2012

Sun, 8 Jan 2012 15:44:40 -0800

The theme of this section is the love of God for His people. God is for His people and only His people! But a lot of people mistakenly think that God is on their side. Hitler thought God was on Germany’s side. We hear the same language used by political parties in our country with grand claims that they are doing the will of God, and so quite obviously, He must be on their side. So what about you? Is God on your side? How do you know?
As Jeremiah received God’s call, he trembled at the thought of taking God’s Word to a stubborn people. But the Lord assured him:

"They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 1:19 NASB

So Jeremiah had God’s assurance that He was with him. We have that same assurance if we have trusted Christ.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January , 8th, 2012. Media #584. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

A Believers Priority, Selected Scripture. January 1, 2012

Sun, 1 Jan 2012 15:06:56 -0800

Well it’s New’s Years Day, Happy New Year! It’s that time when people make resolutions. They resolve to give up this or start doing that. I really don’t like January at the gym, it can get really crowed, but I know from experience that in February things will be back to normal. At this time of year people are resolving to do all kinds of things. If you want to make a resolution that will really help you, resolve to read through the Bible this year. If you really want to change your life for the better, there is only one sure way to do it, and that is by the Word of God.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January , 1st, 2012. Media #583. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Worshiping The King, Matthew 2:1-11, December 25, 2011

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 07:35:32 -0800

Good morning! We are here this Christmas morning to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus. Is today His birthday? I highly doubt it. I’m sure that you are aware that there is much debate in churchianity over the date of Jesus birth. So when was Jesus born? I think that if we look closely at the Scriptures, we can get a very good idea as to when He was born. To understand when He was born we first need to understand where He was born. We see from the Scripture that He was born in Bethlehem:

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, Matthew 2:1 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December , 25th, 2011. Media #582. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Sovereignty and Responsibility Romans 8:28-30, 12/13/11

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:53:32 -0800

All that comes to pass in our lives is according to the eternal plan of the all-wise, all-powerful, and all-loving great God and our Father.
The sovereignty of God is absolute, irresistible, and infinite. God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases; whatever takes place in time is but the outworking of that which He decreed in eternity. Is this too strong for you? If it is, you do not understand the God of the Bible.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December , 18th, 2011. Media #581. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

The "Ordo Salutis" Romans 8:29-30, 12/11/2011

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:02:29 -0800

To say that the subject of this message and our text is controversial puts it mildly! Whenever you talk about God’s sovereignty in salvation you are going to find opposition. About twenty years ago a pastor moved to the Tidewater area to take a church. I met with him over lunch and we talked about what we believed. We got into a discussion on the sovereignty of God and salvation. I was sharing with him that God is sovereign in salvation and in everything else. The conversation got a little heated and then this pastor jumped up cussed me out and said, "If that is what God is like I don’t want anything to do with Him.' As sad as it is, I think a lot of Christians feel that way.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December , 11th, 2011. Media #580. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

All Things? Romans 8:28 12/04/2011

Sun, 4 Dec 2011 21:51:48 -0800

For our study this morning in the book of Romans we are going to look at one verse:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB

Besides John 3:16, this may be the most loved and quoted promise of the New Testament. How many of you have this verse memorized? And, there is good reason for that! Life is so filled with trials and troubles, it is good to know that everything is being worked out according to the plan of a great God.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December , 4th, 2011. Media #579. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Prayer and Thanksgiving, Various Scripture, 11/27/11

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:46:30 -0800

I am hoping that since we are now three days past Thanksgiving, that the tryptophan and carb overload has worked its way out of your systems, and therefore you will not all fall asleep on me. And speaking of Thanksgiving - that is part of the topic we will be looking at today, athough the emphasis will be on prayer in general. Let’s open things up by looking at some Scriptures-

Don’t worry about anything. Rather, in every area of life let God know what you want, as you pray and make requests, and give thanks as well. And God’s peace, which is greater than we can even understand, will keep guard over your hearts and minds in King Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7) (KNT)

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:16-18 ) (ESV)

This message preached by Jeff McCormack on November , 27th, 2011. Media #578. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Weakness In Transition, Romans 8:26-27 11/20/11

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:31:08 -0800

In our last study of Romans we looked at verses 24-25 of chapter 8 and the focus of our discussion was on time. Paul’s audience looked forward to salvation with hope. They did so because it was future to them. It is not future to us. The ages have changed and what was future to them is past to us. We must learn to read the Bible with audience relevance. What did it mean to its original audience?

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November , 20th, 2011. Media #577. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Creation Set Free Pt. 4, Romans 8:18-25 11/13/11

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 14:51:59 -0800

For the last three weeks we have been looking at Romans 8:18-25, this will be part four and our final look at this section. We have seen that "the creation" in Romans 8, is not referring to the physical creation but is a reference to the believing remnant of Israel. Paul told them that their present sufferings were not worthy to be compared with the glory "about to be revealed." Since this was about to happen it must not be talking about the physical renovation of the planet-because that hasn’t happened.
The "creation" is referring to Old Covenant saints who, under the law, were in the bondage of corruption of sindeath, yet waiting/groaning in pain to be delivered from that bondage when the firstfruits, New Covenant saints, received the redemption of the body.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November , 13th, 2011. Media #576. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Creation Set Free Pt. 3, Romans 8:18-25 11/6/11

Sun, 6 Nov 2011 15:03:23 -0800

The majority view of this text is that Paul is talking about the physical creation. Most believers see this text as talking about the physical recreation of the planet. They see the planet as under a curse that will be lifted at the return of Christ.
As I have said I think this text is talking about Israel. Believing Israelites are the "creation". The Greek word used here for "creation" is ktisis, which occurs 20 times in the New Testament and can be translated as either "creation" or "creature," depending upon the context. I don’t see our physical world as being cursed. Jesus did not die for animals, bugs and plants? God told Adam that he would die-that is the curse. This passage is all about Israel, not the physical creation.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November , 6th, 2011. Media #575. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Creation Set Free Pt. 2, Romans 8:18-25 10//11/2011

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:17:23 -0700

We are continuing our study of Romans 8:18-25 this morning. Many take this text to be teaching a renovation or redemption of planet earth. They see this text as a time when God will free the planet from the curse. Which seems a little inconsistent because most futurists believe that God is going to destroy the earth. And you can’t have destruction (2 Pet.3:10) and deliverance (Rom.8:21-23) of the same creation at the same time. Let’s read the text:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:18-25 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October , 23rd, 2011. Media #573. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Creation Set Free Pt. 1, Romans 8:18-25 10/23/11

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:40:05 -0700

We saw in our last study that the Spirit of adoption was the guarantee that they, first century saints, would receive the adoption as sons, the redemption of the body. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the first century saints was like an engagement ring in that it gave substance to their hopes of future glory.
To be a son of God is also to be an heir, and so Paul’s discussion of the Holy Spirit’s ministry relative to adoption as sons flows easily into the hope of future blessings which the first century saints had as the children of God. We closed last time by talking about suffering and that is where we pick up today.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October , 23rd, 2011. Media #573. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

The Sons of God Romans 8:12-17, 10/16/11

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:47:34 -0700

Most of churcheanity today doesn’t understand that they are not under obligation of the old covenant. Most Christians live under some bondage to the old covenant. Whether it be tithing, obeying the Sabbath or thinking pastors are prophets who speak for God. They live in bondage.

for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13 NASB

Is this a warning to believers? It sure seems to be...

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October , 16th, 2011. Media #572. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

The Flesh/Spirit Contrast, Romans 8:5-11, 10/ 9/ 2011

Sun, 9 Oct 2011 19:26:32 -0700

We are looking at Romans 8, this chapter contains the greatest concentration of references to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, an average of one almost every two verses. This chapter starts with "no condemnation" and ends with no separation.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October , 9th, 2011. Media #571. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Condemned Without Christ! Romans 8:1-4 Pt. 3, 10/2/2011

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 22:21:40 -0700

Last week we looked at what the Bible has to say about the doctrine of universalism. I want us to continue that study this morning. In case you missed last week, Universalism is the teaching that God, through the atonement of Jesus, will ultimately bring reconciliation between Himself and all people throughout history. This reconciliation will occur regardless of whether they have trusted in or rejected Jesus as savior during their lifetime.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October 2nd, 2011. Media #570. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Condemnation! Romans 8:1, 9/25/2011

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:43:00 -0700

Last week we looked at Romans 8:1-4, verse 1 states:

There is, then, now no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit; Romans 8:1 YLT

I made the statement last week that it is ONLY those "in Christ" that are not condemned. And we saw that the "condemnation" here takes us back to chapter 5 dealing with Adam’s sin. The condemnation here is spiritual death. So those in Christ have no spiritual death. There are those "in Christ" and there are those "outside." Paul is not a universalist. If Paul was a universalist he would have said, "There is therefore now no condemnation to anyone!"
But he didn’t, he said that only those in Christ are not condemned. I want to go back to that thought this morning and talk about the doctrine of universalism and see what the Scriptures have to say about it. I have been getting questions about this erroneous doctrine, so I would like to address it.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 25th, 2011. Media #569. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

No Condemnation! Romans 8:1-4, 9/18/2011

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:57:01 -0700

We live in turbulent times, the world’s economy is shaky at best. I believe that America is in a recession. But even with all that is going on we certainly don’t lack for things to be thankful for in this country; we have so much. We have truly been blessed by God. But what if we didn’t have all that we do in this country; could you still be thankful? Let’s say that you didn’t have your health. What if you were very sick; could you still be thankful? What if you were not financially blessed; could you be thankful in poverty? What if you didn’t have a family or friends; could you be alone and still be thankful? What if you didn’t have your freedom, if you were imprisoned could you still be thankful? Maybe you fell like you can’t even answer these questions; you are not sure how you would respond to difficult circumstances.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 18th, 2011. Media #568. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

The Wretched Man, Romans 7:21-25, 9/11/2011

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:57:07 -0700

We have been looking at Romans 7 for several weeks now, we will finish this chapter this morning. One of the biggest problems with this text is that it sounds so much like our experience. Believer’s read this passage and say, that’s me, that’s my experience. I’m sure you all have felt that way in the past when reading this text.
You have those times when you seem to almost have the Christian life under control-or so it seems. Then suddenly, sin throws you down. You have your quiet time and feel the intimate fellowship with God, but then someone crosses you the wrong way and you blow up. This is our experience, so we see this text as talking to us. But this argument is not exegetical but existential. Just because we have similar experiences does not mean that this text is talking about Christian experience.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 11th, 2011. Media #567. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Did The Law Kill Me? Romans 7:13-20, 9/4/2011

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 08:30:25 -0700

I want to do something a little different this morning, I like us to read this section first so we get the flavor and then we will break it down. In a Jewish context, when the Word of God is read they stand in respect for God. So let’s all stand as we read this passage:

Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Romans 7:13-20 NASB

Does this sound like your experience? We come to church, we hear the Word of God, we worship God, we go home, we read our Bibles, we do ministry and we feel like we're on top and then we find ourselves saying things or doing things or thinking things that plunge us into despair.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 4th, 2011. Media #566. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-08-21 Is The Law Sin? Romans 7:7-12

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 13:46:45 -0700

If you were a Jew in the first century reading Paul’s letter to the Romans you would have been shocked at the way Paul speaks about the Law, the Torah. The Jews of Paul’s day highly esteemed the Law of God in every sense. So what Paul has said thus far in this letter would have troubled them, to say the least.

because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20 NASB

You can't become right with God, can't be made just by the Law. All the Law can do is bring a knowledge of sin.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 21st, 2011. Media #565. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-08-14 Encouragement, Glenn Hill

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:38:38 -0700

This message preached by Glenn Hill on August 14th, 2011. Media #564. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-08-07 Dead to the Law Romans 7:1-6

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 21:00:17 -0700

As we said last week, the Jews viewed the Gentiles as sinners because they didn’t have the Law. So you can understand how hard it was for a first century Jew to grasp the concept that they were not under the Law. The church in Rome had a number of Jewish people who were no doubt tempted to hang on to aspects of the Law of Moses. So Paul wants to stress the fact that having believed in Jesus Christ and having been married to Him they are no longer obligated in any way to the Law of Moses. So to help them grasp this Paul goes on in chapter 7 to talk about their relationship to the Law:

Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? Romans 7:1 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 7th, 2011. Media #563. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-07-31 You Gotta Serve Somebody Romans 6:15-23

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:11:02 -0700

We have been looking at Romans 6 for three weeks now. It is generally conceded by students of the Bible that Romans 6, is Paul's normative passage for Christian living. In fact, it is probably conceded by most Bible teachers that this passage is the biblical normative passage for Christian living. I do not think this passage deals with practical sanctification, but with the believers position before God.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 31st 2011. Media #562. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-07-24 United With Christ Pt. 2, Romans 6:11-14

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 10:24:51 -0700

The sixth chapter of Romans is a chapter that is very important for us to understand. Traditionally this text is used to teach that Christians should live a holy life, we have been set free from sin and should therefore no longer live in it. Many see this text as dealing with sanctification. Bob Deffinbaugh writes, "This sixth chapter of Romans and its proper interpretation is not only imperative for your sanctification, but also for your sanity." From my perspective, if you see this sixth chapter as dealing with sanctification you will lose your sanity! Seeing this chapter as dealing with progressive sanctification will cause believers to doubt and question their salvation.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 24th 2011. Media #561. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-07-17 Union With Christ, Romans 6:5-10

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:23:50 -0700

Berean Bible Church has gone live! Please join us on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM EST at http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/home.php and click on the "Berean Live" icon. You can watch the church service live and meet others in the Chat-room!

Through our study of the Epistle to the Romans, we have seen Paul trace and argue for the truth of justification by faith alone. No adherence to the Law, no religious pedigree, and no accumulation of merit can change the sinner’s status to one of righteousness before God. But the work of Christ does it all! God’s justice has been satisfied by Christ’s obedience to the Law and substitutionary death for those He came to redeem.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 17th 2011. Media #560. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-07-10 Baptized Into Christ Jesus, Romans 6:1-4

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:05:13 -0700

Berean Bible Church has gone live! Please join us on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM EST at http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/home.php and click on the "Berean Live" icon. You can watch the church service live and meet others in the Chat-room!

This morning we come to chapter 6 of Romans. This is a very well known text, but I think it is a very misunderstood text. The reason this text is so misunderstood is because it is so often interpreted in isolation from its context.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 10th 2011. Media #559. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-06-26 In Adam or In Christ, Pt 3, Romans 5:18-21

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:43:39 -0700

We are continuing and concluding our study of Romans 5:12-21. I said earlier in this study that in order to understand this text, we must understand the corporate nature of it. We must learn to read the Bible from a corporate, not individualist perspective. The biblical perspective is that every person is a member of a community and that membership determines his identity.
For those of you who are preterists you know how grasping an understanding of"“audience relevance" changed you view of the Scriptures, we’ll I want to propose that grasping an understanding of the "corporate nature" of the Scriptures will have the same effect.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on June26th 2011. Media #557. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Berean Bible Church has gone live! Please join us on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM EST at http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/home.php and click on the "Berean Live" icon. You can watch the church service live and meet others in the Chat-room.

2011-06-19 In Adam or In Christ, Pt 2, Romans 5:15-17

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 10:38:35 -0700

Can you imagine the emotional state of a child who does not know from day to day whether or not he is a member of the family? Today, since he was a good boy, he is considered a member. But tomorrow, if he misbehaves, he may no longer be a member. Today he is loved by his father. Tomorrow he may not be. This child would be a neurotic mess! You are a part of your family, regardless of your behavior. So it is in the family of God, too. If you belong to Christ, you are part of the family, and can enjoy the emotional security our Heavenly Father wants us to experience.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on June19th 2011. Media #556. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

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2011-06-12 In Adam or In Christ, Romans 5:12-14

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:02:31 -0700

The majority of church-goers do not understand that our salvation is not based upon what we do, but upon what Christ did. They think that their relationship with God is based upon their performance. They think that as long as they live “right” that God will not condemn them. This is a "works" system. To attempt to live the Christian life by works is to live under constant guilt and condemnation. But to understand that salvation is by grace through faith, and that we are absolutely secure because of Christ’s work will bring great peace to our soul.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on June 12th 2011. Media #555. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-05-29 Assurance Brings Hope Pt. 2, Romans 5:6-11

Sun, 29 May 2011 09:54:04 -0700

When I come to the living God as a guilty sinner, who deserves judgment, trusting in Jesus Christ and Him alone for my redemption, I am engaged in an act of faith. I've never seen God. I've never seen this place called "heaven", I've never seen Jesus Christ. But by faith, those things which I cannot see become realities to me. They take on substance for me, and by faith, I gain assurance and conviction about things that my eyes cannot behold. So assurance comes from believing.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 29th 2011. Media #554. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-05-22 Assurance Brings Hope Romans 5:1-5

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:54:45 -0700

We begin a new section of Romans this morning that runs from 5:1 thru the end of chapter 8. The Hebrew Scriptures emphasize repeatedly the future hope of Israel and the promises of future salvation. In Romans 5-8 Paul argues that those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ are the inheritors of the promises made to Israel. Believing Jews and Gentiles are now recipients of the hope that belonged to Israel.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 22nd 2011. Media #553. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-05-15 In The Meantime, Jeremiah 29

Sun, 15 May 2011 22:13:00 -0700

A special message from Pastor Glenn Hill.

This message preached by Pastor Glenn Hill on May 15th, 2011. Media #552. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-05-08 What Makes A Marriage? Genesis 2:22-24

Mon, 9 May 2011 17:00:14 -0700

In our society marriage is under attack. We live in a society that has little regard for the honor and sanctity of marriage as God designed it. We live in the age of the disposable. From the throwaway bottle, we've progressed to the throwaway camera and even to the throwaway marriage. "The pill, legalized abortion, and the age of "meaningful relationships" have invalidated the need for marriage", sociologists claim. Is marriage becoming insignificant? The message this morning is polemic, that is I am addressing a wrong view of marriage that I have encountered.
Let’s begin by saying that marriage is a divine institution. It is a divine institution, because God himself originated it:

The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." Genesis 2:22-23 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 8th, 2011. Media #551. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-05-01 Abraham’s Faith, Romans 4:16-25

Sun, 1 May 2011 15:30:04 -0700

What is it that guarantees the promise that you will be an heir? The answer is: God's grace. The only way that our eternal future can be guaranteed is if it rests on God's grace. Grace is the free and undeserved work of God to bring his people to glory.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 1st, 2011. Media #550. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-04-24 Pictures of Redemption, Leviticus 23

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:21:17 -0700

Today is a very important date in History, but it’s not Easter. It is the first Sunday after the Passover, which biblically was called the "Feast of First Fruits."

This morning I want us to look at the biblical significance of the Jewish Feast days. The study of the feasts is a study in typology. Typology is the interpretation of First Testament events, persons, and ceremonies as signs which prefigured Christ's fulfillment in the New Covenant with the church.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on April 24th, 2011. Media #549. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-04-17 Faith Or Circumcision? Romans 4:9-15

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:25:00 -0700

We have been talking for the last three weeks about the doctrine of justification by faith alone. So let me ask you. Are you getting tired of hearing the message of faith alone? Are you thinking maybe thinking, Paul, you have ridden this horse of justification by faith alone until it is exhausted. Why are so you focused on the truth that God's righteousness is credited to people by faith alone apart from works? We might be tempted to say to Paul, We've got it! We got it!
Paul is hammering on this truth because it is the gospel and it destroys pride and boasting:

And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. "The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: 'God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 'I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.' Luke 18:9-12 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on April 17th, 2011. Media #548. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-04-10 Father Abraham, Romans 4:1-8

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:32:15 -0700

We don’t like a faith alone Gospel is that we live in a world where we are what we accomplish. The question is always: "What have you accomplished lately?" What book have you written? What project have you completed? What deal have you closed? What account have you opened? What building have you built? What paper have you written? What verdict have you won? What experiment have you completed? The pressure is on for more production, more profit, more performance. And so those who do not perform in the area of morality or works are discounted from being Christians.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on April 10th, 2011. Media #547. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-04-03 But What About James, Romans 3:28

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 23:11:26 -0700

Last week we looked at the subject, Justified by Faith Alone. Notice verse 28:

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Romans 3:28 NASB

In Luther’s translation of this verse he added the word "alone". I said that I agreed with that, it is faith ALONE that saves us. I said that Christ plus anything equals nothing!

Every time I talk about the fact that "good works" are not necessary for salvation, that a person is saved by what they believe, faith alone, not what they do, James 2 always comes up. "But what about James?"

This message preached by David B. Curtis on April 3rd, 2011. Media #546. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-03-27 Justified By Faith Alone Romans 3:27-31

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:13:48 -0700

Paul in the preceding context has pointed out that, the covenant faithfulness of God has been revealed through one who will do and be what Israel should have done and been. God has been faithful to the covenant with Abraham, through the one faithful Israelite-Jesus! By virtue of the saving work of Jesus Christ, God has become just in that sin has been punished, and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on March 27th, 2011. Media #545. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-03-20 Earthquakes & End Times, Matthew 24:7

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:58:45 -0700

I’m sure that all of you have heard about the huge earthquake that happen 9 days ago in Japan. It was the fifth largest earthquake on record. It seems like there have been a lot of major earthquakes lately.

Is there any biblical significance to all these earthquakes? Are these quakes a sign of the end? Is our planet Earth shaking with greater frequency and intensity than ever before in human history? According to a number of Christian writers and teachers on Bible prophecy, Jesus predicted in the Olivet Discourse that a pronounced increase in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes would occur just prior to His return to the earth. So every time an earthquake happens the prophecy preachers start shouting, "The end is near."

This message preached by David B. Curtis on March 20th, 2011. Media #544. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-03-13 God’s Faithfulness, part 2 Romans 3:24-26

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:36:58 -0700

We began last week to look at the section in Romans that runs from 3:21-4:25. This section shows us HOW God has been faithful to the covenant that He made with Abraham. Remember that we have been saying that the righteousness of God is a reference to God’s own righteousness or we could say His covenant faithfulness. The covenant was there to deal with the sin of the world. And sin was dealt with through the faithful Israelite, Jesus the Messiah.
We are looking at the subsection of 3:21-26. It is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the greatest and most important sections in the whole of Scripture. This is the normative passage on the subject of justification by faith. This section is the heart of Romans.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on March 13th, 2011. Media #543. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-03-06 God’s Faithfulness, Romans 3:21-22

Sun, 6 Mar 2011 13:55:35 -0800

This morning we begin a new section in the book of Romans that runs from 3:21 thru 4:25. This section shows us God’s faithfulness to the covenant. The first sub section runs from 3:21-26 and deals with God’s righteousness being revealed through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse called this passage "the heart of the Bible." Martin Luther called it "the marrow of theology."
This passage is the normative passage on the doctrine of justification by faith. As the older theologians used to say it's the seat of the doctrine. It's the passage which most fully and completely sets forth the doctrine of justification by faith.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on march 6th, 2011. Media #542. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

Special - The Journey with Dave Curtis

Thu, 3 Mar 2011 20:53:44 -0800

This is a special edition of Berean Bible Church's weekly podcast. Michael Loomis from AD70.net interviews David and they discuss the virtual church and the wonder of being able to reach people across the world in our time.

2011-02-27 Universal Sinfulness, Romans 3:9-20

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 18:49:09 -0800

How often have you heard the words, "They’re in a better place now" when someone dies. It seems that the general assumption is that everyone goes to heaven. Have you ever heard someone say, "Well, I guess they’re burning in Hell right now" when a relative or friend died? No matter how evil, how anti-God a person is they always seem to go to a "better" place when they physically die. There is a sense of universalism among our culture.
The extreme form of universalism is the belief that all people are going to Heaven. The more subtle and just as deadly form of universalism is that anyone who is sincere about whatever religion they choose is going to the same Heaven Christ spoke of.
It is universally true that people like to think of themselves as basically good and deserving of heaven. But that is not the testimony of Scripture.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 27th, 2011. Media #541. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-02-20 The Jewish Advantage, Romans 3:1-8

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 19:03:01 -0800

We are still in the second section of Romans that runs from 1:18-3:20; the common reading of this passage is to say that all human beings are sinful, and they certainly are! But what we must see is that this passage is tied in to the revelation of the covenant faithfulness of God. The covenant was always the means of dealing with evil. So Romans 1:18-3:20 is all about God’s righteousness.
As we begin Romans 3 we must remember what Paul has just arguing in Romans 2.

For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. Romans 2:25 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 20th, 2011. Media #540. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-02-13 Who is a Jew? Romans 2:25-29

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 19:17:44 -0800

Who is a Jew? What do you think of when you hear the word “Jew”? Some may think of someone who is cheep or frugal. That moniker has been given to Jews. How do you start a Jewish Marathon? Roll a Penny down a Hill. How was copper wire invented? Many years ago, two Jews found the same penny. Some may think of those who killed Christ. Some may think of those who wear funny little black hats on their heads. What comes to your mind when you hear the word "Jew"?
According to the web site, "Judaism 101":
A Jew is any person whose mother was a Jew or any person who has gone through the formal process of conversion to Judaism..

This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 13th, 2011. Media #539. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-02-06 National Hypocrisy, Romans 2:17-24

Sun, 6 Feb 2011 18:23:45 -0800

By having faith in Christ the full requirements of the Law are met in us, and therefore we are righteous according to the obedience of the Law. I have fully obeyed the Law by faith in Christ, which puts me in union with Christ, who fully met the Laws righteous requirements. I share all that Christ is and has.

Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law. Romans 3:31 NASB

Do we meet all the requirements of the Law in Christ? Absolutely! Do we have a sacrifice for atonement? Do we have a temple? Do we have a high priest? Are we circumcised? Do we keep the Sabbath? Yes, to all of them.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 6th, 2011. Media #538. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-01-30 Judgment Is Impartial, Romans 2:11-16

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:47:23 -0800

We are studying Romans verse-by-verse, and we are in chapter 2. Romans 2:1-16, sets forth the principles of divine judgment. We see in these verses that God judges according to truth or reality; Paul points this out in the first 4 verses. We also see that God judges according to works; he points this out in verse 5 through verse 11. And he concludes the section by pointing out that God judges impartially. So He judges according to reality. He judges according to works. He judges impartially.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January 30th, 2011. Media #537. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-01-23 Judgment According to Works Romans 2:5-10

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:44:08 -0800

We began last week to look at Romans 2:1-16, which sets forth the principles of divine judgment. We see in these verses that God judges according to truth or reality; he points this out in the first 4 verses. We looked at these last week. We also see that God judges according to works; he points this out in verse 5 through verse 11. And he will conclude the section by pointing out that God judges impartially. So He judges according to reality. He judges according to works. He judges impartially.

It is important to understand that in these verses Paul is using here a literary style called diatribe. Diatribe was a well known way of teaching truth. In this style, the writer engages in debate with imaginary opponents, putting them on the spot, asking them rhetorical questions, answering their supposed objections. Paul creates a double audience: the real one (the Christians in Rome) and the hypothetical opponent: the Jewish interlocutor.
We ended last week with verse 4:

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4 NASB

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January 23rd, 2011. Media #536. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-01-16 The Kindness of God Romans 2:1-4

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 20:33:49 -0800

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January 16th, 2011. Media #535. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2011-01-09 The Living Word of God Hebrews 4:12

Sun, 9 Jan 2011 18:38:48 -0800

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January 9th, 2011. Media #534. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-12-19The Sin of Homosexuality Romans 1:26-27

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 17:24:10 -0800

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December 19th, 2010. Media #533. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-12-12 God Gave Them Over, Romans 1:24-32

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 13:21:24 -0800

We are looking at the second section of Romans which runs from 1:18 - 3:20. In this section we see that God is the righteousness Judge whose wrath is extended toward the covenant breakers.
Paul says that God’s wrath IS being revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, "Who suppress the truth in unrighteousness". The word "suppress"here is present tense- they were doing it in Paul’s day. Who in Paul’s day had the truth but were suppressing it? It was Israel, and only Israel!.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December 12th, 2010. Media #532. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-12-05 They Knew God, Romans 1:18-25

Sun, 5 Dec 2010 15:06:03 -0800

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, Romans 1:18 NASB

God’s wrath in the Bible is never capricious, self-indulgent, or irritable. God’s wrath in the Bible is always judicial. It is the wrath of a judge administering justice.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December 5th, 2010. Media #531. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-11-28 Only Ten Percent? Luke 17:12 19

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:58:17 -0800

Relax, our message for this morning has nothing to do with tithing or money, it’s about gratitude. But since we’re talking about money, let me say how grateful I am for those of you who financially support this ministry. Thank you for your trust and confidence in us. Without those of you who regularly support us we would not be able to do what we do. Thank you!

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November 28th, 2010. Media #530. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-11-21 The Wrath of God, Romans 1:18

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:15:07 -0800

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, Romans 1:18 NASB
The common reading of this passage is to say that all human beings are sinful. But what we must see is that this passage is tied in to the revelation of the covenant faithfulness of God. The covenant was always the means of dealing with evil. So Romans 1:18-3:20 is all about God’s righteousness.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November 21st, 2010. Media #529. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-11-14 The Righteousness of God, Romans 1:16-17

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:01:01 -0800

We are looking at Paul’s introduction to the book of Romans which covers verse 1 thru 17. This is the longest introduction of Paul’s. This introduction divides into three parts: 1-7 is the salutation, which we looked at for several weeks. Last week we looked at verses 8-15 in which Paul is giving thanks to God for the Romans and tells them of his prayer for them and about Paul’s travel plans. Today we are going to look at verse16-17, which tells us that the gospel unveils God’s righteousness.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November 14th, 2010. Media #528. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-11-07 Paul’s Travel Plans, Romans 1:8-15

Sun, 7 Nov 2010 21:11:05 -0800

(Rom 1:8-15) First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November 7th, 2010. Media #527. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ. You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-10-31 Jesus Is Lord! Romans 1:3-4

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:20:58 -0700

The Gospel was not an innovation of Paul's, not a New Testament nor apostolic invention; it was the message of the prophets, the message of Moses. The message of the First Testament is identical to that of the New. There is no segmentation between Israel's faith and Christianity; they are two halves of the whole. The Gospel, which was promised to Abraham and Moses and the prophets, was fulfilled in JESUS CHRIST.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October 31st, 2010. Media #526. Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ. You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to: Berean Bible Church 2000 Centerville Turnpike Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-10-24 The Promised Gospel, Romans 1:2

Sun, 24 Oct 2010 15:13:49 -0700

The podcast ministry of Berean Bible Church, Virginia Beach, VA.

2010-10-17 An Apostle By Calling, Romans 1:1, 5-7

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:46:29 -0700

The podcast ministry of Berean Bible Church, Virginia Beach, VA.

2010-10-10 Introduction To Romans

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 15:12:02 -0700

The podcast ministry of Berean Bible Church, Virginia Beach, VA.

2010-10-03 Worship, Job 1

Sun, 3 Oct 2010 18:17:14 -0700

The podcast ministry of Berean Bible Church, Virginia Beach, VA.

2010-09-26 Fruit From Rome, Philemon

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 06:15:43 -0700

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 26th, 2010. Media #521.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:

Berean Bible Church
2000 Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-09-19 Acts 29, Selected Scripture

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:33:27 -0700

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 19th, 2010. Media #520.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:

Berean Bible Church
2000 Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-09-12 Paul’s Witness At Rome, Acts 28:17-31

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 12:56:38 -0700

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 12th, 2010. Media #519.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:

Berean Bible Church
2000 Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-09-05 Always A Servant, Acts 28:1-16

Sun, 5 Sep 2010 13:35:13 -0700

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 5th, 2010. Media #518.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:

Berean Bible Church
2000 Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-08-29 The Perfect Storm, Acts 27

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:39:06 -0700

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 15th, 2010. Media #517.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:

Berean Bible Church
2000 Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, VA 23322

2010-08-15 Science VS Scripture, Joshua 10:12-14

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:22:42 -0700

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 15th, 2010. Media #516.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2010-08-01Stating "Nothing" But The Tanakh, Acts 26:21-32

Sun, 1 Aug 2010 17:07:48 -0700

In our text for this morning we find Paul imprisoned in Caesarea. Because of a near riot in Jerusalem and a plot by the Jews to kill him, Roman officers had brought him to Felix, the governor, so that his guilt or innocence could be ascertained. Paul remained in prison under Felix for two years, at which time Festus succeeded Felix as governor. During this time, Paul preached the gospel to both Felix and Festus. But neither one of them could decide what to do with Paul. They both knew that he was innocent, yet they wanted to please the Jews, who wanted Paul in jail. They were in a political dilemma, so to speak. King Agrippa arrived to pay a visit to Festus. And when Festus tells him about Paul he says that he would like to hear him speak. So Paul is now speaking to a large crowd gathered in Caesarea. Paul is sharing with them his testimony, how he once persecuted Christianity, until he met the risen Christ, and now he is a preacher of Christianity. .

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 1st, 2010. Media #515.

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2010-07-25 Repent And Turn To God, Acts 26:19-20

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:19:42 -0700

We are looking at Paul giving his testimony before King Agrippa in Caesarea. Do you remember how Paul ended up in Roman custody? Soon after Paul arrived in Jerusalem, he was worshiping in the temple. When some Jews from Ephesus saw him they started a riot claiming that Paul had brought a Gentile into the Temple. The mob grabbed Paul and preceded to stomp him to death when the Roman General Claudius Lysias came in with his troops and rescued Paul. A plot to kill Paul led to his transfer to Caesarea, and to his trial under Felix. Festus, who was Felix’s successor, also attempted to decide the matter, but this only resulted in Paul’s appeal to Caesar. Now, in order to identify some charges against Paul, to include in a letter to Caesar, this group has assembled to hear from Paul and to give their advice to Festus.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 25th, 2010. Media #514.

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2010-07-19 Who's My Neighbor? Luke 10:25-37

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:35:59 -0700

Do you think that the question, "Who's my neighbor?" is important? Why is this an important question? It is important because we are commanded as Christians to love our neighbors:

Matthew 22:36-40 (NASB) "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

Romans 13:9 (NASB) For this, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

Galatians 5:14 (NASB) For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

We can't love our neighbor if we don't know who our neighbor is. Do you agree? So the command to love our neighbor is meaningless until we understand who our neighbor is. By the time you leave here this morning I want you to understand without a doubt who your neighbor is. I want you to know who it is you are commanded to love.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 18th, 2010. Media #513.

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2010-07-11 From Persecutor to Preacher Acts 26:1-18

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:30:58 -0700

As we come to the 26 chapter of Acts, Paul has been in custody in Caesarea for over two years. It all began when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, and was engaged in worship in the temple. He was mistakenly accused of desecrating the temple, and a mob of Jews was quickly assembled, who were about to kill him. He would have been killed except for the swift arrival of Claudius Lysias, who saved Paul’s life. A plot to kill Paul led to his transfer to Caesarea, and to his unfinished trial under Felix. Festus, his successor, also attempted to decide the matter, but this only resulted in Paul’s appeal to Caesar. Now, in order to identify some charges against Paul, to include in a letter to Caesar, this group has assembled to hear from Paul and to give their advice to Festus.
When Jesus predicted what would happen to his disciples, he said something very sobering, but also very encouraging. He said:

"But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. "It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. (Luke 21:12-13 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 11th, 2010. Media #512

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2010-07-04 Paul Before Festus, Acts 25:1-27

Sun, 4 Jul 2010 14:47:37 -0700

This morning we come to our 84th message in the book of Acts and we are looking at chapter 25. If you remember in 57 A. D., Paul was taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea because of an alleged violation against the temple. The Jewish leaders said he had desecrated the holy place by taking a Greek beyond the "Wall of Partition" during Pentecost. Having been removed from Jerusalem because Jews were plotting to kill him, Paul was brought before Governor Felix with whom he had the opportunity to share Jesus Christ. Over the next two years, he continued to witness to Felix and his wife Drusilla.
At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him. But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned. (Acts 24:26-27 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on Julyh, 2010. Media #511

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2010-06-27 An "Attitude" Check, Philippians 2:5

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:50:49 -0700

Have you ever heard someone say, 'You need an attitude check'? What do they mean by that? Most likely they mean that your attitude is bad, and you need to examine it and make the proper corrections. Is our attitude an important issue? Does our attitude really matter? I think that the answer to both of these questions is, 'Yes'.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on June 27th, 2010. Media #510.

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2010-06-13 Paul Preaches To Felix, Acts 24:22-27

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:32:56 -0700

Felix had a problem, he was trying a Roman citizen, and a Roman citizen had certain rights. If those rights were not met, Paul could make trouble for Felix. But he had an even worse problem: There were many angry Jews in his court-and angry Jews had been known to start revolutions in the past.
But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case." (Acts 24:22 NASB)

Having listened to all this, and having more exact knowledge about the Way, (so that he knew that the accusations were lies), Felix knew that Paul was right, he was not guilty, because he had not done any crime. But Felix did not want to offend the Jews. So, he made an excuse...

This message preached by David B. Curtis on June 6th, 2010. Media #509.

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2010-06-06 The "About To Be" Resurrection Acts 24:15

Sun, 6 Jun 2010 15:25:27 -0700

In our last study of Acts we look at the first 21 verses of chapter 24, which dealt with Paul’s trial before Felix. In Paul’s defense he makes this statement:

"But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. (Acts 24:14-15 NASB)

Notice how Young’s Literal Translation translates this:

having hope toward God, which they themselves also wait for, that there is about to be a rising again of the dead, both of righteous and unrighteous; (Acts 24:15 YLT)

The words "shall certainly" in the NASB is the Greek word mello. Whenever mello in the present active indicative is combined with an infinitive, it is consistently translated "about to." Paul told his first century audience that, "there is about to be a resurrection".

This message preached by David B. Curtis on June 6th, 2010. Media #508.

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2010-05-30 Paul’s Defense Before Felix, Acts 24:1-21

Sun, 30 May 2010 17:31:47 -0700

In our previous studies we have seen that Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem as a riot was about to break out in the temple courts. He had made two unsuccessful attempts to placate the Jews and to testify to them of Jesus Christ. They refused to listen; and now, after a plot against his life, he has been brought down to the province capital, Caesarea, on the coast. There he will face the governor:

When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. (Acts 23:33 NASB)

The delivery of Paul to Caesarea marked the beginning of a two-year imprisonment in that city. During this period he stated his case, and also the case for the Christian gospel, to two provincial governors and a king, fulfilling one aspect of the Lord's prediction about his ministry:

But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; (Acts 9:15 NASB)

The governor referred to in Acts 23:33 is Felix.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 30th, 2010. Media #507.

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2010-05-23 Providential Protection, Acts 23:12-35

Sun, 23 May 2010 21:02:31 -0700

Paul has finished his missionary journeys and is now in Jerusalem. Everything Paul has tried to do since he came to Jerusalem has ended in a riot. He tried to pacify the Jewish Christians by purifying himself in the Temple and paying the expenses of four men who had taken a vow, that ended in a riot. He tried to give his testimony of what God had done in his life to the Jewish crowd in the temple court and that ended in a riot. He tried to give testimony before the Jewish Council, the Sanhedrin, and that ended in a riot. Now, he's a prisoner. A bunch of Jews put together a plot to assassinate Paul, but God providentially protects him.

Let me just say that the term "providence" is not found in the Scripture, but the doctrine of providence is very scriptural. The theological term "providence" means nothing short of: "the universal sovereign rule of God." Providence is the preserving and governing of all his creatures and all their actions.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 23rd, 2010. Media #506.

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2010-05-09 Paul Before The Sanhedrin Acts 23:1-11

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:46:43 -0700

We are studying a new section in the book of Acts, from the end of chapter 21 to the end of the book Paul is now a prisoner and will remain a prisoner until his death. As we have seen, Paul was now in Jerusalem, he had gone to the temple and was carrying out this vow with four other Jewish Christians. Near the end of his time of purification some Jews from Asia Minor who knew him only as a disturber of Judaism and who hated him, started a riot, which was designed to end in his being beaten to death. In the middle of the attempt to beat him to death, the Romans intervened, saved his life, and started to take him into the Roman barracks. While on the steps ascending Fort Antonia Paul asked for, and was granted, permission to speak.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 9th, 2010. Media #505.

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2010-05-02 Paul’s Apology, Acts 22

Wed, 5 May 2010 04:47:40 -0700

When Paul entered the temple to take part in a Jewish traditional practice, he was verbally attacked by a group of Asian Jews who were in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. Upon seeing the apostle in the temple, they cried out:

"Men of Israel, come to our aid! This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." (Acts 21:28 NASB)

Their fourfold charge was entirely false, but it had the desired effect; the mob dragged Paul out of the temple and began beating him.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on May 2nd, 2010. Media #504.

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2010-04-25 Agabus’ Prophecy Is Fulfilled, Acts 21:15-40

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:57:52 -0700

In our last study we left Paul and his companions in Caesarea at the house of Philip. They are on their way to Jerusalem. Pau had set his heart on arriving in the city before the Feast of Pentecost, bringing with him the money which had been collected from the Greek churches for the famine relief effort in the city. He hoped that this collection would serve to help unite the Jewish and Gentile factions in the early church. As he headed toward Jerusalem from Asia Minor, however, he was given several warnings from the Holy Spirit through the mouths of fellowbelievers that he would face imprisonment.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on April 25th, 2010. Media #503.

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2010-04-11 A Selfless Example, Philippians 2

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:25:14 -0700

This morning we are going to look at a servant of Christ who gives us an example of a humble selfless man. His name is Epaphroditus. We find the story of this man in Philippians chapter 2. Before we look at this man lets back up in chapter 2 to get the context. Philippians 2 is a call for all believers to have an attitude of humility that causes a self-sacrificial, self-denying, self-giving love. Which are things that do not come naturally. Paul starts out by calling believers to an attitude of humility:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on April 11th, 2010. Media #501.

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2010-04-04 Christ The First Fruits, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 20:19:05 -0700

Today hundreds of thousands of Christians are celebrating "Easter". Let me say a little bit about Easter. The name "Easter" has its roots in ancient polytheistic religions. On this, all scholars agree. But there is much disagreement as to the exact origin. One origin of Easter dates back to ancient times, not long after the global Flood. Nimrod, a grandson of Noah, had turned from following his grandfather's God and had become a tyrannical ruler. Some trace Easter back to the springtime ritual instituted by Semiramis, Nimrod’s wife, following the death of Tammuz, their son. Contemporary traditions such as the Easter Bunny and the Easter egg can also be traced back to the practices established by Semiramis.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on April 4th, 2010. Media #500.

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2010-03-28 Christ Our Passover, Exodus 12

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:19:07 -0700

One of the most significant events in the history of the human race took place on the 14th of Nisan, which happens to be tomorrow at sundown. What took place on that day that is so significant to us? It was the day that the Passover took place. What I want us to see this morning is that Passover is much more than a historical event that took place in the life of Israel. Passover was a type.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on March 28th, 2010. Media #499.

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2010-03-21 To the Ephesian Elders, pt 2 Acts 20: 28-38

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 20:39:30 -0700

There are three terms used in the New Testament to describe Church leaders, and none of them are "reverend," they are, "bishop, elder, and pastor." Pastors are not distinct from bishops or elders. The terms are simply different ways of identifying the same people. Textual evidence indicates that all three terms refer to the same office. In verse 17 Paul uses the term "elders" and then in verse 28 he uses "bishop and shepherd":

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on March 21st, 2010. Media #498.

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2010-03-14 To the Ephesian Elders, Acts 20:13-27

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:39:38 -0700

There are three terms used in the New Testament to describe Church leaders, and none of them are "reverend," they are, "bishop, elder, and pastor." Pastors are not distinct from bishops or elders. The terms are simply different ways of identifying the same people. Textual evidence indicates that all three terms refer to the same office. In verse 17 Paul uses the term "elders" and then in verse 28 he uses "bishop and shepherd":

"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on March 14th, 2010. Media #497.

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2010-03-07 Preached to Death, Acts 20:1-12

Sun, 7 Mar 2010 16:27:23 -0800

Paul comes to Ephesus preaching the Gospel, and now those who make idols are worried about their job security. The Apostle Paul changed the world as few other men have ever done. He lived in a day before jet airplanes or cars and paved highways. He had to go everywhere by foot, on donkeys, or by sailing vessel, none of which were very speedy. He did not have a telephone to call and talk with the leaders of churches that he had founded around the Roman Empire. He didn’t have computers, email, copy machines, or other modern tools that make communication easier. He spent many years of his ministry in prison, unable to move about freely. He contended with fierce opposition both from outside and inside the church. And yet, after 25-30 years of ministry, he left a lasting impact on the world, not only in his time, but also for all times. And this remarkable man’s advice to us is:

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on March 7th, 2010. Media #496.

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2010-02-28 Riot for Profit, Acts 19:21-41

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 07:33:28 -0800

Ephesus had a church established that became a beachhead for evangelism that extended to the entire Roman province of Asia Minor. Paul spent three years teaching about the kingdom of God in Ephesus:

"Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. (Acts 20:31 NASB)

So far as we know, he stayed in Ephesus longer than he stayed at any other place.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 21st, 2010. Media #495.

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2010-02-21 Understanding "The Revelation",part 2 Rev. 13:11-21

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:11:35 -0800

When the Romans resumed the Jewish war, they were furious and came in with a vengeance. There was so much blood shed that it put out fires in the buildings. The people were cutting each other open to get the food that they had eaten, and mothers were roasting their own children. Notice what is said about this Tribulation, nothing will ever equal it. The destruction of Jerusalem was far more than the fall of a Jewish city; it was the destruction and conclusion of Old Covenant Israel.
This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 21st, 2010. Media #494.

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2010-02-14 Understanding "The Revelation", Rev. 1:1-11

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:41:19 -0800

For the next two weeks we are going to take a break from the book of Acts and give an overview of the book of Revelation. The vivid imagery and dramatic message of Revelation have long captivated the attention of Christendom although most of the interest is based on a radical misunderstanding of the very nature and purpose of the book. As church historian Philip Schaff noted over ninety years ago, "The literature of the Apocalypse, especially in English, is immense, but mostly impository (Impository preaching is preaching which seeks to take a theme for the sermon and impose it on the text) rather than expository, and hence worthless or even mischievous, because confounding and misleading."

This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 14th, 2010. Media #493.

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2010-02-07 Anointed Hankies? Acts 19:8-20

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 10:03:34 -0800

If you remember from back in Acts 16 Paul tried to go into Asia on his second missionary journey, but the Spirit forbade them. Later in that journey Paul finally came to Ephesus, but because he was intent on reaching Jerusalem for the feast he spent only a short time there. He did, however, leave Priscilla and Aquila behind, and they must have played a significant part in preparation for Paul’s lengthy stay as recorded in our text. So Paul is now in Ephesus again.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on February 7th, 2010. Media #492.

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2010-01-24 Salvation of the Remnant Acts 19:1-7

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:17:39 -0800

The Book of Acts shows us the transition from Judaism to Jesus. If we are going to correctly understand the New Testament, we must understand "the transition period." If someone were to ask you what the transition period was, could you explain it? When did it begin? When did it end? What was happening during it? These are questions that we need to be able to answer if we are going to understand the transition period.

The transition period began on Pentecost in A.D. 30, and it ended at the destruction of the Jewish temple in A.D. 70. During the transition period the church was growing from infancy to maturity. A spiritual house was being built for God to dwell in. This was a time of change and growth, it was a time of transformation from the Old to the New.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January 24th, 2010. Media #491.

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2010-01-17 The Salvation of Apollos Acts 18:18-28

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:11:22 -0800

It has been over a month since we’ve been in the book of Acts, so we need to review a little this morning. In our last study we saw Paul in the city of Corinth. Corinth had gained a reputation throughout the whole Roman world as the center of sensuality. But Corinth became one of the greatest centers of Christianity in the ancient world. Remember that we said Paul was alone when he arrived in the City of Corinth. And he was discouraged.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January 17th, 2010. Media #490.

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2010-01-03 A Spiritual Necessity! Luke 10:38-42

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 16:38:58 -0800

My goal this morning is to challenge you to set aside a time each day to spend in the Word of God. Spending time each day with this Book is essential to our spiritual lives. We seem to neglect the most critical part of our lives, our spiritual lives. Thus, I want to challenge you to either begin a regimen of spending time delving into the Word of life, or to increase the time that you are reading.
To challenge us in the area of spending time with God I’d like for us to look at a very familiar story found only in Luke’s Gospel, the story of two sisters:

Luke 10:3842 (NASB) Now as they were traveling along, He entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who moreover was listening to the Lord's word, seated at His feet. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

This message preached by David B. Curtis on January 3rd, 2010. Media #489.

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2009-12-20 Why was Jesus Born? Matthew 1:18-23

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:27:24 -0800

If you asked the average Christian what Christmas was, they would no doubt associate Christmas with the birth of Christ and in some way see it as a celebration of His birth. Is it? Is Christmas about Christ? The word "Christmas" means: "Mass of Christ," or, as it came to be shortened, "Christ-mass"; a Roman Catholic Mass which grew out of a specific feast day established in A.D.1038. It has nothing to do with Scripture or the birth of Christ! The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1946 ed. says this: "Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church. It was not instituted by Christ or the Apostles, or by Bible authority. It was picked up after-ward from paganism."
What about the birth of Christ, that’s important, isn’t it? Was Jesus born on December 25?

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December 20th, 2009. Media #488.

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2009-12-13 The Corinthians and the Second Coming Acts 18:1-17

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:11:50 -0800

Last week we were with Paul, Aquila and Priscilla and Silas and Timothy in the city of Corinth. We saw Paul preaching in the synagogue and then to the Gentiles. Paul stayed in Corinth for at least a year and a half. In our time in Corinth we met some of the Corinthians who had come to faith in Christ. We met Aquila and Priscilla, Titius Justus, Crispus the leader of the synagogue, and Sosthenes. We learned that many of the Corinthians came to Christ and a church was founded in the midst of this vile pagan city.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December 13th, 2009. Media #487.

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2009-12-06 God Of All Comfort, Acts 18:1-17

Sun, 6 Dec 2009 20:28:16 -0800

We have been following Paul through his first and second missionary journeys. And what we have seen so far of Paul’s missionary endeavors could give us the impression that Paul was superhuman. He had incredible courage, he appears to be fearless. For example look at what happened on the first missionary journey:

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 But while the disciples stood around him, he arose and entered the city. And the next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. (Acts 14:19-20 NASB)

Can you even imagine what it would be like to have a group of people pick up rocks and throw them at you until they thought you were dead? This would have to be a very painful experience!

This message preached by David B. Curtis on December 6th, 2009. Media #486.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-11-29 Understanding Scripture Mark 10:28-31

Tue, 1 Dec 2009 06:06:30 -0800

If we are going to understand Scripture, which I believe is the goal of everyone here, we must have some understanding of Hermeneutics. A principle that is vital to a proper interpretation of Scripture is the principle of audience relevance.

This means that whatever a passage meant, or whatever words spoken in Scripture meant, it meant or had direct application to the original intended audience. Under the principle of audience relevance something we must understand is the transformation of the ages, or we could say, you must understand when the Old Covenant ended and the New Covenant was consummated.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November 29th, 2009. Media #485.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-11-15 God the Judge Acts 17:26-34

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:36:59 -0800

Is idolatry something that we should be concerned with today? Don’t think that we are free from idolatry, for if a god is that which is the most important thing in your life, that to which you give your time and effort and energy, that which occupies the primary place of importance to you, then we worship many gods.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November 15th, 2009. Media #484.

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2009-11-01 Paul at Athens Acts 17:15-23

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:52:07 -0800

We have been following the Apostle Paul on his second missionary journey, as he has made his way from Philippi down to Thessalonica and then to Berea. We saw in our last study that the Christians in Berea sent Paul away to Athens, fearing for his life and a total disruption of the work going on there. But both Silas and Timothy remained in Berea to take care of the new Christians.

Now those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. (Acts 17:15 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on November 1st, 2009. Media #482.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-10-25 The Bereans Acts 17:10-14

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:11:24 -0700

We are studying Paul’s second missionary journey, which is recorded in five chapters in the middle of the book of Acts. He has crossed the Aegean Sea to Philippi, where he preached the gospel, was beaten and imprisoned, and founded a church. He is then run out of Philippi and goes to Thessalonica where he goes into the synagogue, preaches the gospel and establishes a church there. As usual the Jews cause a riot.:

But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and coming upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. (Acts 17:5 NASB)

So the believers send Paul away by night:

And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. (Acts 17:10 NASB)

Paul and his company proceeded overland southwest from Thessalonica for a distance of about fifty miles to the small city of Berea.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October 25th, 2009. Media #481.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-10-18 The Thessalonians And The Second Coming, Acts 17:1-10 Pt.2

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:47:00 -0700

In our last study in Acts we saw Paul and the missionary team in Thessalonica.

Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.    (Acts 17:1 NASB)

We saw that Paul went into the synagogue, preached the Gospel, caused a riot and was run out of the city. We really don’t learn much about the Thessalonians from our text in Acts, but one thing we do learn is that many of them believed Paul’s preaching and came to faith in Christ.

And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the Godfearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.    (Acts 17:4 NASB)

What I want to do this morning is to show you the results of Paul, Silas and Timothy’s visit to Thessalonica. We learn much about the believers in Thessalonica in the two letters written to them by Paul. So please turn with me to the first letter to the Thessalonians.

Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.    (1 Thessalonians 1:1 NASB)

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October 18th, 2009. Media #480.

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2009-10-11 Preaching In Thessalonica Acts 17:1-10

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:15:59 -0700

We have been looking at the apostle Paul's second missionary journey. Paul, together with Silas, Timothy and Luke, had established a beachhead for the gospel in Europe, in the city in Philippi, in Macedonia around A.D. 51.
Paul and Silas were arrested and beaten following Paul's casting out of a demon from a slave girl who was used of her masters to foretell the future. As Paul and Silas lay in a dungeon singing praise to God, an earthquake destroyed the prison. The jailer and his family came to faith as a result, and they joined together with Lydia and her household to form the first home church on the European continent. Luke would remain on to shepherd the young church, while Paul and his companions headed south on the Egnatian Way as soon as they are released from prison.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on October 11th, 2009. Media #479.

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2009-09-27 Beaten, Imprisoned and Praising God! Acts 16:22-40

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 06:19:27 -0700

Paul and the missionary team are in the city of Philippi. Their first mission in Europe was meeting with a group of women at the riverside prayer meeting. Paul preached and God opened Lydia’s heart and she believed the Gospel.
Then one day while on their way to prayer a demon possessed slave girl begins to follow the mission team crying out:

..."These men are bondservants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation."    (Acts 16:17 NASB)

Paul turns to her and commands the demon to come out and it does immediately.

But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities,    (Acts 16:19 NASB)

The word "dragged" here is the Greek word helkuo this is the same Greek word used in:

"No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.   (John 6:44 NASB)

Helkuo means: “to draw with irresistible superiority”. These men dragged Paul into the market place, Paul had no choice in the matter.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 27th, 2009. Media #478.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-09-20 Paul Exorcizes The Python, Acts 16:16-21

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 04:59:41 -0700

We are in the 16th chapter of Acts and the gospel has just reached Europe. It started in Jerusalem, then spread to Judea, then to Samaria, and now it is penetrating the uttermost parts of the earth. In our last study the missionary team crossed the Aegean Sea and landed on the shores of Europe. What city are they now in? Philippi! Philippi was a Roman colony in Macedonia.
Paul had seen a vision of a man of Macedonia asking them to come and help him. So they immediately head for Macedonia but when they get there they end up with several women at a river. Paul preaches the gospel and Lydia comes to faith in Christ as the Lord opened her heart. This opening of Lydia’s heart was a supernatural work of God.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 20th, 2009. Media #477.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-09-13 Open Heart Surgery, Acts 16:11-15

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:04:59 -0700

We are now in that part of Acts in which Luke is describing the second missionary journey of the Apostle Paul. This is the story of the entrance of the gospel into Europe. What started in the Temple in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost as a trickle was spreading out over the known world just as Ezekiel 47 predicted.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 13th, 2009. Media #476.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
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2009-09-06 Strengthening The Churches, Acts 15:36-16:10

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 12:03:59 -0700

We are continuing our study through the book of Acts. Before we look at our text I want to share with you a quote that I found in a commentary on Acts. Ray C. Stedman writes, "I hope you are realizing, more and more as we go through this book, that here is a description of normal Christianity. This is the way the church could have been, and should have been, in any age. Unless the church is living in the atmosphere of the book of Acts, it is missing out on its heritage."

What do you think? Is the book of Acts "normal Christianity"?

This message preached by David B. Curtis on September 6th, 2009. Media #475.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-08-30 The Only Good Man Mark 10:13-27

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 05:05:30 -0700

In our text for this morning we find Jesus and his disciples in a home in Perea east of the Jordan river across from Judea. He is moving from the north in Capernaum down south into Judea. He is actually en route to Jerusalem. As the Lord finished his comments about marriage, some of the local people began to approach the home with their children seeking the Lord to bless these little ones.

The text in Mark 10:13-31 contains two major paragraphs describing two separate but related incidents. The first paragraph, verses 13-16, contains Mark’s description of our Lord’s response to the disciples’ attempt to hinder parents bringing their children to Jesus, for Him to touch, to pray for, and thus, to bless. The second paragraph contains the incident of the “rich young ruler” who came to Jesus to learn what he must do in order to obtain eternal life, along with the response of Jesus and His disciples (verses 17-31).

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 30, 2009. Media #474.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
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2009-08-23 Who’s My Neighbor? Luke 10:25-37

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:06:15 -0700

Do you think that the question, “Who’s my neighbor?” is important? Why is this an important question? It is important because we are commanded as Christians to love our neighbors:

Matthew 22:3640 (NASB)  "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

Romans 13:9 (NASB)  For this, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

Galatians 5:14 (NASB)  For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

We can’t love our neighbor if we don’t know who our neighbor is. Do you agree? So the command to love our neighbor is meaningless until we understand who our neighbor is. By the time you leave here this morning I want you to understand without a doubt who your neighbor is. I want you to know who it is you are commanded to love.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 23, 2009. Media #473.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-08-09 Saved by Grace, Walking in Love, Acts 15:19-35

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:34:51 -0700

The first 35 verses of Acts chapter fifteen are the story of the representatives of the Church of Antioch and representative of the Church at Jerusalem meeting to discuss the doctrine of soteriology. What brought about this meeting? Paul and Barnabas had been traveling throughout Galatia preaching the Gospel of grace.

And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region.    (Acts 13:49 NASB)

Many Gentile were coming to the Lord and churches were being planted. But following Paul and Barnabas  were some men from Jerusalem who were teaching that faith alone was not enough to save a man, they must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses.

And some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."    (Acts 15:1 NASB)

What did we say these men were called? Judaizers. To these "Judaizers" salvation meant identifying not only with Christ but with the nation Israel. It meant placing oneself under the Mosaic Covenant and keeping the Laws of Moses, as defined by Judaism. The issue at hand was whether Gentile converts had to become Jewish proselytes in order to be saved.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 9th, 2009. Media #471.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
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2009-08-02 Restoring the Tabernacle of David Acts, 15:13-19

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 11:40:49 -0700

Today we come to our 53rd study in the book of Acts. We began this study back in March of 08. So just in case you have forgotten what the theme of this book is let me remind you. As we go through this book it is important to understand why Luke wrote it. What is this book about? What is it's major theme?
The prolog of this book acts as a preface and the preface is setting before us the theme of the author:

And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6 NASB)

What is the disciples question? It is about the restoration of Israel. And that is what this book is about, the "Redemption of Israel." God had promised His people Israel that He would restore or redeem them:

Zion will be redeemed with justice, And her repentant ones with righteousness. (Isaiah 1:27 NASB)

As the gospels end we see that Jesus has been rejected by Israel, put to death on a cross. Then in the epistles of the New Testament the writers address the Church:
to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 NASB)

So the question is, What happened to Israel?

This message preached by David B. Curtis on August 2nd, 2009. Media #470.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

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2009-07-26 The Apostles’ Creed, Acts 15:1-12

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:01:26 -0700

There is always strife when we talk about the way of salvation. That is because there is such a difference of opinion about the way of salvation. Some have the idea, "It doesn’t really make a difference what you believe, so long as you believe it with fervency and with zeal because God will accept us if we come to Him, no matter how we may come to Him." That’s very, very wrong, biblically, but nevertheless that’s the way the world thinks. It thinks that everybody is going to heaven, though they are traveling by different roads. And, if they are religious people, it doesn’t make a bit of difference which religion you may have, so long as you have religion. Now, the Scriptures are utterably opposed to this but many people-most people-do not read the Scriptures.

This message preached by David B. Curtis on July 26th, 2009. Media #469.

Berean Bible Church provides this material free of charge for the edification of the Body of Christ.

You can help further this work by your prayer and by sending a contribution to:
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