http://www.BaptistBasics.org/bbu/index.php en-us ℗ & © 2010 Matthew B. Gage Providing Online Training for Christian Workers Matthew B. Gage OK, so its not really a university. It's just a place offering lecture series on topics including the Bible, Church history, and ministry helps. OK, so its not really a university. It's just a place offering lecture series on topics including the Bible, Church History, and ministry helps. All from an Independent, Fundamental Baptist perspective. clean Matthew B. Gage mgage@baptistbasics.org Matthew B. Gage Course Notes (PDF) The complete notes for the Children's Church 101 course in PDF format. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:00:00 CST Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage Introduction One of the most neglected, yet most hyped, programs in our local churches is that of the Children's Church service. Many churches do a great job at bringing children in on buses. Many churches have phenomenal teen programs. Many churches have strong and well organized Sunday School systems. Sadly, they let the Children's Church service fall by the wayside. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:01:00 CST 30:49 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage The Philosophy of Children's Church “Philosophy” is quite the buzzword in modern church building. It is no longer the “hows” that garner the most attention, but the “whys”. Briefly, let me give some of my personal philosophy about Children's Church. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:02:00 CST 35:33 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage The Setting of Children's Church One of the greatest things about working with children is that they really don't expect or need a lot. Adults are very picky about their surroundings, but kids are just not picky. This has caused many churches to use less than adequate rooms for children's church and Sunday Schools. This is a shame, and a reason why some churches have seen a decline in their bus ministry. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:03:00 CST 25:58 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage Workers in Children's Church One of the great things about Children's Church is that it doesn't require a lot of training to be an effective worker. It doesn't even require more than two or three people to run the program effectively. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:04:00 CST 32:02 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage The Structure of a Children's Church I believe that there are four major areas of a Children's Church service: Songs, Preaching, Invitation, and Fun Time. The first three are very distinct periods, while the last can be spread throughout the service if you are diligent at it. We will be dealing with each of these areas at length in their own lessons, but for now I want to cover the underlying structure of the program. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:05:00 CST 22:27 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage Song Leading in Children's Church I think this is the most neglected area of the Children's Church ministry. A lot of emphasis is usually put on the preaching, some even put a lot of emphasis on games and promotions, but most people put little emphasis on the music. Most Children's Church song leaders that I have seen are ineffective at preparing kids for the preaching. They usually succeed in putting the kids to sleep! Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:06:00 CST 27:56 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage Preaching in Children's Church While this is probably not the least neglected area in our Children's ministries, it could very well be the area that needs the most work. It takes a great deal of effort to effectively preach to young people. Just because you've got a good truth to give them doesn't mean that it takes based upon its own merit. You have to put the truth on their level and explain it in ways that they understand. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:07:00 CST 36:02 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage The Invitation in Children's Church The Altar Call is the primary focus and goal of the entire Children's Church service. The songs gain the child's attention, the fun things draw them in, the preaching moves the focused audience, and the invitation time reaps the harvest. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:08:00 CST 41:23 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage Fun Time in Children's Church I think many ministries do fine when it come to the spiritual aspects of working with children, but fall terribly short when it comes to the practical. There must be a balance between the two. In Children's Church I think it can be put slightly different, that is, a balance between the spiritual and the fun. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:09:00 CST 23:10 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage Discipline in Children's Church I know that this is not the most exciting part of the ministry, but it is one that many people do not do very well. Kids will act up and you need to deal with it. If you are not in charge, then the kids will be. The best way to deal with behavior problems is to prevent them. There are many ways to do this, but let me give you a few ideas... Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:10:00 CST 26:54 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage The Total Package We've covered many areas of this vital ministry, but we must avoid the temptation to make Children's Church a series of separate events. The entire time needs to go by seamlessly. The service should be one total package. Sat, 6 Jun 2009 13:11:00 CST 29:41 Children's Church, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry, Evangelism Matthew B. Gage Course Notes (PDF) The complete notes for the Bus Ministry 101 course in PDF format. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:00:00 CST Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Introduction Perhaps the greatest tool of our generation in reaching children as been the Bus Ministry. Thousands upon thousands have been reached and countless lives affected. It has brought many children under the sound of the Gospel that would have never otherwise even darkened a church door. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:01:00 CST 37:47 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Some Basics The Bus Ministry is a fairly simple ministry to run. Basically it consists of getting kids to and from church. Everything else is just a corollary to that simple definition. We visit to see who is riding, we try to find more kids to ride, we get them to church, they hear the Word of God, and we take them home. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:02:00 CST 30:23 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Workers and Responsibilities Like any other ministry, the bus ministry needs a leadership hierarchy. If you do not have leadership, you will only have confusion. There are simply too many areas to cover to not have people in charge over them. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:03:00 CST 32:05 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Workers and Responsibilities Like any other ministry, the bus ministry needs a leadership hierarchy. If you do not have leadership, you will only have confusion. There are simply too many areas to cover to not have people in charge over them. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:03:00 CST 32:05 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Starting a New Route If you are just getting started or are expanding your current ministry, you will probably be starting new routes. I personally have had first hand experience at this, and while I know I am not a great bus captain I have learned much that will be a big help to you. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:04:00 CST 28:22 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Running a Program Nothing does more good on a Bus Route than by having a good program running while the kids are on the bus. You have a captive audience for that while rides, so take the opportunity to teach and train them. Besides, you will drastically cut down on your discipline problems when you do. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:05:00 CST 26:29 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Promotions and Programs Promotions work very well when used on Bus Routes. There is practically no end to what you can do. Money isn't even that big of an issue since there are many things you can do that do not cost a dime. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:06:00 CST 27:13 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Weekly Visitation Every rider or solid prospect should be visited in person every week if humanly possible. I don't care how faithful they are, you need to make an appearance at their door. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:07:00 CST 25:56 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Salvations and Baptisms If you are doing your job as a bus captain, you will be see kids saved. We Baptists believe that once someone is saved they need to be baptized. I am not going to go into a doctrinal defense of our position here, but I want to deal with some practical issues involving salvations and baptisms. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:08:00 CST 38:15 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Finding New Riders I have never met an effective bus captain that wasn't on the hunt for new riders. They constantly are knocking new doors and promoting bringing visitors. A bus captain that isn't interested in finding new riders needs to be replaced. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:09:00 CST 34:53 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Discipline on a Bus Route Probably the one thing that is the downfall of many otherwise effective bus workers is the area of discipline. I've seen too many bus captains who have little or no control over what is going on in their bus. I'm not saying that your kids will all be little angels by implementing some of the things I am talking about, but they will help you keep you sanity. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:10:00 CST 40:51 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Going the Second Mile It is not enough to simply get kids to church on Sunday. It takes a lot of work to develop relationships with the kids and to foster spiritual growth. This is the area I think we fail most often in the bus ministry. We can pack them in and pass out a lot of candy, but we lose these kids when they get “too cool” for church. We have got to start implementing methods to keep kids into their teens and then on into adulthood. Sun, 7 Jun 2009 13:11:00 CST 32:13 Bus Ministry, Church, Ministry, Children's Ministry Matthew B. Gage Course Notes (PDF) The complete notes for the Baptist History course in PDF format. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:00:00 CST Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage Introduction One area that Baptists have always deemed important is that of their history. They make a very bold claim that few other groups do not; which is that they have existed under one name or another all the way back to the church at Jerusalem in Acts. Baptists claim that they hold the same beliefs as groups or movements, many of which no longer exist, in unbroken succession to this present day. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:01:00 CST 33:42 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage Baptist Beliefs What makes a Baptist a Baptist? Is there really a difference between a baptist and a (fill in the blank)? Smarter men than I have studied out these questions and have settled that there a few doctrines that separate Baptists from all other groups. We call the beliefs the Baptist Distinctives. These beliefs are not a comprehensive lost of things Baptists believe, but just what sets them apart from all other groups. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:02:00 CST 40:57 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History, Doctrine Matthew B. Gage Baptist Origins There are many theories about how Baptist came to be. While I have already touched on my personal opinion in the introduction, I feel it would be beneficial to know these theories. This will enable you to see the ones various historians and authors take. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:03:00 CST 23:17 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage Was the Early Church Baptist? So what about the first Christians at Jerusalem? Can we honestly consider them to be Baptists? Did they hold the doctrines that define Baptist belief? Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:04:00 CST 21:16 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage The Early Church (A.D. 30 to the Sixth Century) The most exciting time in Church History, in my opinion is the first few centuries of its existence. It was a time of phenomenal growth as the message of the Gospel spread across the world. Just think ow twelve men (the Eleven Disciples and Paul) literally turned the world upside down, changed the course of history, and brought the mightiest empire the world has ever seen to its knees. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:05:00 CST 22:54 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage The Dark Ages (A Sixth Century to the Fourteenth Century) The next span of time we will cover is a very dark period in the history of civilization - politically, morally, economically, religiously, and educationally. At this time the Roman Catholic church grew to its greatest power. Millions of people were enslaved under superstition and tyranny.In spite of all this, there was still a faithful remnant of Believers who held and propagated the truth. In this time of spiritual darkness, their light shown brightly. Most often their reward was a martyr's crown. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:06:00 CST 26:32 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage The Reformation (Fifteenth Century to the Seventeenth Century) The time of the Reformation was a time of great upheaval all across Europe. The winds of change not only led to a restructuring of the religious powers, it also had a great political impact as well. There was a great independent voice during this period that it is often ignored in history. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:07:00 CST 28:29 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage Baptist Expansion and Division (Eighteenth Century to the Twentieth Century) As religious freedom was furthered throughout Europe, Baptist groups began to flourish. Baptist teaching literally began to spread across the globe at this time. The prefix “ana” begain disappearing the name Anabaptist, thus it became much more common to see the name Baptist. Sadly, during this time of great progress was also time of much strife and division. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:08:00 CST 25:21 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage Baptists in America Most of the original settlers in the “New World” were either Catholic or Episcopal. The Spanish empire known for its attempts to “Christianize” the heathen through Catholic missions. The settlements by England were by nature Episcopal because of the union of Britain and the Church of England. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:09:00 CST 17:25 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage Independent Fundamental Baptists There is a real lack of information and research concerning the origins and early history of the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. Most of the key points of doctrine driving this movement have roots and basis in the Early Church. Many other groups have strongly held similar positions over the years. In a sense, the IFB movement is a union of Baptist, Fundamentalist, and Independent Congregational movements. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:10:00 CST 46:41 Baptists, Baptist History, Church History Matthew B. Gage Introduction to John The best way to begin studying a book in the Bible is the look at the basics. Who wrote the book? What is its purpose? What is its place in the canon of Scripture? Before we begin going through the book of John, lets look at some of the details of the book. Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:00:00 CST 29:27 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage In the Beginning - John 1:1-14 John begins his Gospel by going back to the beginning. Actually, its more like before the beginning. Because John's theme is the deity of Christ, he begins by showing that Christ was God. Sun, 21 Jun 2009 19:01:00 CST 36:45 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage John the Baptist - 1:15-36 John the Baptist was an amazing person who was mightily used of God. He was born under extraordinary circumstances of parents beyond normal childbearing age (Luke 1:7). He lived as few others did in the wilderness areas of Judea, and suddenly appeared around 28 A.D. proclaiming the soon coming of the Messiah and His Kingdom. His ministry was a fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3. His purpose was to herald Christ's coming and prepare the world for His ministry. Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:00:00 CST 36:45 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The First Disciples - John 1:27-51 With the public announcement of the Christ, people soon began to follow after Christ. Almost immediately Christ began to call certain individuals to follow Him. These men He chose from various backgrounds to carry His message to the world after training them for over three years. Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:01:00 CST 39:51 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Marriage at Cana - John 2:1-12 Now that Christ has been introduced to the world and people have begun to follow after Him, He gives the first proof of His Deity – a miracle. Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:02:00 CST 25:09 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Jesus Cleanses the Temple - John 2:13-22 Often people picture Christ as a very meek pacifist. He is seen as effeminate and weak physically. The Bible shows a very different picture of Christ. He was a carpenter who worked hard with His hands. Strong men we attracted to Him, such as fisherman. One episode in His life that shatters the modern false conception of Christ's demeanor and life is His cleansing of the Temple. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:00:00 CST 31:39 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Jesus and Nicodemus - John 3:1-21 Probably the most famous passage in John is the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. It is the source for many phrases we commonly use, such as “born again”. It is also the source of the most widely quoted and memorized verse, John 3:16. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:01:00 CST 31:40 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage He Must Increase - John 3:22-36 Probably the most famous passage in John is the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. It is the source for many phrases we commonly use, such as “born again”. It is also the source of the most widely quoted and memorized verse, John 3:16. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:00:00 CST 27:49 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Woman at the Well - John 4:1-42 Christ's mission was to “seek and to save that which is lost”. Here is a tremendous story of Him seeking out an outcast to share God's love for them. Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:00:00 CST 55:48 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Jesus Heals the Nobleman's Son - John 4:43-54 After leaving Samaria, Christ returns to Galilee. He has become a well-known figure now and people are seeking Him out. Here we have recorded a miracle performed by Christ on a child many miles away. Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:00:00 CST 23:08 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Pool of Bethesda - John 5:1-16 Jesus is still popular but is about to put the religious leaders to the test. Would the accept Him as Messiah or would they reject Him for their way? Through the working of a miracle which should have proved His deity, Christ will find that they will still refuse Him. Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:01:00 CST 30:42 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Father and The Son - John 5:17-30 Jesus stands accused of breaking the Jewish Sabbath by healing a cripple man by the Pool of Bethesda. Now we shall see his defense: He was working the Will of God. He doesn't stop there though as he drops an even more controversial fact on the Jews: He was God, being the Son equal to the Father. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 CST 31:24 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Five Witnesses of Christ's Deity - John 5:31-47 We are just wrapping up the events of John Chapter 5. The healing of the lame man on the Sabbath brought the wrath of the Jewish leaders on Christ. Christ began His defense by reminding them that His actions were the will of the Father, the Lord of the Sabbath. He also claimed equality to God (vs. 17-18). The last section of this chapter give us five witness to Christ's Deity and Authority. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:01:00 CST 33:06 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Two Miracles - John 6:1-21 Christ has made quite an impression on the people of Israel. He is still very popular with the people, but the leaders are now seeking to destroy Him. These circumstances do not keep Him from working mighty miracles. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:00:00 CST 36:01 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Bread of Life - John 6:22-71 Christ now has a very large following and people are seeking after Him after He fed the five thousand. Their motives were not spiritual, but carnal. They wanted their bellies filled and their nation free. Christ came not for these things, but to save mankind. In the last portion of John 6, we see the multitude's expectation and Christ's purpose. This takes place in the synagogue at Capernaum (vs. 59). Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:00:00 CST 01:03:12 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Christ at the Feast of Tabernacles - John 7:1-53 Christ is creating quite a stir in Israel. People are talking about Him and His teaching. In this chapter, we see the opinions of His earthly family, the people, and the rulers. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:00:00 CST 40:32 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Cast the First Stone - John 8:1-11 Christ's enemies are not going to let an opportunity to trap Christ in front of a large crowd. Using the opportunity of the feast, the set a seemingly perfect trap. With no apparent way out, Christ turns the tables on them. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:01:00 CST 29:21 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Christ vs. The Pharisees – Part I - John 8:12-32 The religious leaders were always looking to discredit and embarrass Christ. They would do so by setting traps for Him, such we saw with the woman taken in adultery. They would question His teachings. These exchanges give us insight into their thinking and motives, but also show the superiority of Christ's teachings and abilities. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:02:00 CST 26:06 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Christ vs. The Pharisees – Part II - John 8:33-59 We continue from our previous lesson as the Pharisees continue to debate Christ. The last half of this debate is mostly on who it is that truly follows God. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:03:00 CST 29:08 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Christ Heals A Blind Man - John 9:1-41 Often the miracles of Christ are dealt with briefly with limited detail. Rarely is there any information given on the person who was healed or what happened after their encounter with Christ. John chapter 9 deals entirely with the healing of a blind man and the events afterward. In this we see the hatred of the Jews for Christ and the love of Christ for the helpless. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:04:00 CST 34:08 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Good Shepherd - John 10:1-21 Christ never missed an opportunity to reach people. Most of the time His miracles set the stage for an audience to hear His teaching. There has been great stir among the people with the healing of the blind man at the Feast of Tabernacles in the previous chapter. This bold and wondrous miracle has created a renewed interest in Christ's teaching. Christ takes the opportunity to tell them of His mission and purpose. Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:00:00 CST 35:47 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Christ Asserts His Deity - John 10:22-42 The Jews have been anxiously anticipating the coming of the Messiah. They have grown impatient with Christ and want to Him to boldly proclaim Himself their Messiah. They take the opportunity of the feast of Hanukkah to press Him on the subject. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:00:00 CST 41:50 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Lazarus - John 11:1-46 The greatest miracle performed by Christ was almost His last chronologically. With the cross fast approaching, He performed the ultimate of miracles: raising a dead man. This miracle was unmistakable and irrefutable. It was the last major showing of Christ's power before the cross. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:01:00 CST 38:22 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Foreshadows of the Cross - John 11:47-12:11 The end is drawing near for Christ's earthly ministry. The Jewish rulers have decided against their Messiah and preparations are being made to destroy Him. In the midst of these dark shadows we also have one of the most beautiful acts of worship recorded in Scripture. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:00:00 CST 41:20 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Triumphal Entry - John 12:12-50 As the end draws near, Christ offers Himself publicly to the people as their Messiah. For most of His ministry He has shunned the public and avoided the crowds. Now He makes a rare, bold move in fulfillment of prophesy. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:01:00 CST 39:31 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Supremacy of Service - John 13:1-20 With the end approaching, Christ and his disciples gather into an upper room to observe what we know as the Last Supper. With the cross now hours away, He spends time teaching His disciples for the last time. One of the first lessons was one of humility and service, as Christ washed the disciples feet. Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:00:00 CST 31:43 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Betrayal and Denial - John 13:21-38 In the midst of the disciples was a traitor who would betray their Master. He would sell out the Lord for thirty silver shekels. But he was not the only one who would disappoint the Saviour. One of the inner would deny Him multiple times before the night ended. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:00:00 CST 37:20 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Father's Will - John 14:1-14 Christ now begins to teach His disciples many vital lessons before the crucifixion. These lessons are intimate, comforting, and deep. He starts these lessons by further revealing the Father's will and relationship to Him. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:01:00 CST 38:16 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Comforter - John 14:15-31 The teaching that Christ does at this late hour is very personal and shows His love for His disciples. He knows the that the cross is waiting in a mere hours and that He will soon depart from this earth. To comfort His disciples He tells them of the coming and work of the Holy Spirit, a subject that has practically remained a mystery to this point. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:02:00 CST 42:16 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Relationships of the Believer - John 15:1-27 The Lord and His disciples are now making their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. On the way there, Christ continues His teaching. He begins to tell the disciples about the many relationships of the believer, such as to Christ, the World, and the Holy Spirit. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:03:00 CST 43:54 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Believer and the Spirit - John 16:1-15 Christ never promised smooth sailing for the Christian. He gave no illusion that to be a believer was to also live a life of ease. On the contrary, Christ told His disciples that they would face persecution and hatred from those outside their fold. Christ did tell them that they would not face these hardships alone. He would be with them through it all, and the Holy Spirit would be their to help them. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:04:00 CST 31:56 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Christ Plainly Tells of His Death - John 16:16-33 Christ is wrapping up the final lesson He will give to the disciples before the Cross. The only recorded words spoken by Christ after these are prayers or words to the disciples concerning the prayers. In this last lesson, Christ tells them again of the coming Cross and the results of His coming victory. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:05:00 CST 28:53 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The True Lord's Prayer - John 17:1-26 We know by the Gospel accounts that Christ was frequently in prayer, and in some cases have recorded the word He used. The most famous prayer is often called the Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. That prayer can be more accurately described as the Model Prayer. The prayer record in John 17 could more accurately by called the Lord's Prayer. It is the longest prayer recorded in the Gospels. Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:06:00 CST 37:06 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Arrest of Christ - John 18:1-27 The hour has come for the Son of Man to be arrested and tried in preparation for the crucifixion. The events move swiftly now as cross approaches. In the midst of these events is the sad betrayal by one of Christ's closest disciples. Tue, 11 May 2010 15:00:00 CST 44:18 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Trial by Pilate - John 18:28-19:18 Now that Christ has been arrested by the authorities and condemned by the Jewish leaders, He must stand trial before the Roman governor before He can be put to death as His enemies have planned. This trial is important in showing that Christ was blameless and yet the people rejected Him and sent Him to the cross. Tue, 11 May 2010 15:01:00 CST 59:12 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Death and Burial of Christ - John 19:19-42 We have finally reached the climax of Christ's earthly ministry. The time has come to drink the bitter cup before Him and bear the sins of the world. The time has come to give His life for the redemption of man. Sat, 29 May 2010 16:00:00 CST 40:00 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage The Risen Saviour - John 20:1-31 The cross is now past and Christ has been buried for three days and three nights. In spite of the many times He foretold His own resurrection, it seems that no one was anticipating. We find His followers adjusting to the light, because after three dark days the Son rose. Tue, 1 Jun 2010 19:00:00 CDT 51:11 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Lovest Thou Me? - John 21:1-25 We close our study of the Gospel of John with an anecdote of the resurrected Christ. After His resurrection, Christ appeared many times to His followers over a forty day period before ascending to Heaven. John closes his gospel telling of one of these appearances, one which proved to be deeply personal for Peter. Tue, 1 Jun 2010 19:01:00 CDT 1:02:24 John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Course Notes (PDF) The complete notes for the Gospel of John course in PDF format. Tue, 1 Jun 2010 19:02:00 CDT John, Bible, Baptist, Gospel of John Matthew B. Gage Introduction What is preaching? It is more than a speech. It is more than teaching, though that may be a portion of it. It is the expounding of a Bible-based truth that is delivered so as to press its hearer for a decision and action. Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:01:00 CDT 39:23 Baptist, Preaching, Sermons, Homiletics, Bible College, Ministry, Preacher, Sermon, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage Introduction The best way to begin studying a book in the Bible is the look at the basics. Who wrote the book? What is its purpose? What is its place in the canon of Scripture? Before we begin going through the book of Acts, lets look at some of the details of the book. Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:01:00 CDT 34:51 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage Prelude to Pentecost - Acts 1:1-26 The first chapter of Acts fills us in on the events between the Resurrection of Christ and the day of Pentecost. This time period, about forty-eight days, was filled with much action. Christ Himself was present with the disciples for forty days after His Resurrection. This leaves only about a week between His Ascension and Pentecost. Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:02:00 CDT 31:59 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage Prelude to Pentecost - Acts 2:1-47 The disciples have followed the Lord’s instruction and have been in Jerusalem awaiting the outpouring He promised. What happened there would change the course of human events, as the Apostles received the fulness of the Holy Spirit. The world would soon be turned upside down. Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:03:00 CDT 42:48 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage Pentecost - Acts 3:1-26 The Church Age entered with a flourish at the Day of Pentecost. God was not through working, and the next couple of chapters set the tone for the rest of the book: evangelism, miracles, and persecution. In this lesson we will see Peter and John making quite a stir at the Temple after healing a lame beggar. Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:04:00 CDT 24:11 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage Peter’s Sermon at the Temple - Acts 4:1-30 The Church is only at most a couple of years old and has not faced any real opposition. Many Jews and Romans alike saw these followers of Christ as a new sect of the Judaism. The stir created at Pentecost did not seem to garner much attention. The stir created in the Temple in chapter 3 did bring more attention on the new group, including for the first recorded time opposition. Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:05:00 CDT 34:00 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The State of the Early Church - Acts 4:31-5:16 We pick up this lesson at the conclusion of the events of the previous. The young Church has faced its first opposition from without. In this lesson we will first see the character of the early Church, and then see its first internal problem. Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:06:00 CDT 30:50 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The Second Persecution - Acts 5:17-42 Interest in the Christians, or at least the healings performed by them, has reached a point where the Jewish rulers can no longer ignore the growing movement. In fact, Christianity’s popularity is such that the rulers must move carefully lest the people rebel against them. bring them to trial. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 03:30:00 CDT 39:16 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The Purpose of Preaching Preaching has a special purpose in the plan of God. It is the means He has chosen to reach the lost and to grow the believer. I once heard that preaching should do four things: stretch the mind, warm the heart, challenge the will, and tan the hide. Were going to take things a little deeper than that. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 03:31:00 CDT 39:03 Baptist, Preaching, Sermons, Homiletics, Bible College, Ministry, Preacher, Sermon, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The Purpose of Preaching The most mysterious part of preaching is the call. It is difficult to define and in many ways it is completely individualized. God presses upon certain individuals to be leaders in churches. Sometimes it is a call to pastor, sometimes a call to the mission field, sometimes a call to greater service, but it is always a call from God. In this lesson we will explore some aspects of the call. Sat, 21 Aug 2010 04:20:00 CDT 38:38 Baptist, Preaching, Sermons, Homiletics, Bible College, Ministry, Preacher, Sermon, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The First Deacons - Acts 6:1-15 The church has grown to a point that the Apostles are struggling to keep up with the demands of the ministry. This practical problem leads to the appointment of the first deacons. We will see a glimpse of their ministry before beginning the story of the martyrdom of Stephen. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:40:00 CDT 27:15 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The First Martyr - Acts 7:1-60 The church has been growing more popular and powerful with each passing day. The Jewish rulers could not sit by for much longer without taking drastic action. They found their opportunity when the newly appointed deacon Stephen stirred a local synagogue into a frenzy. Put on trial before a hostile crowd, Stephen’s bold witness leads to his place in sacred history as the first Christian martyr. Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:41:00 CDT 51:43 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The Ministry of Philip - Part I - Acts 8:1-25 The growth of the Christian movement is only matched by its growing opposition. The persecution is only fanning the flames of the movement. We also see the growing number of leaders in the church, as evidenced by the ministry of Philip. Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:00:00 CDT 35:17 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The Ministry of Philip - Part II - Acts 8:26-40 We now come to one of the more famous episodes in the Book of Acts. The Holy Spirit brings Philip to witness to a visitor from Ethiopia. God went to quite a bit of trouble to get the Gospel to that man. Church history tells us that he returned to Ethiopia and established Christianity there. Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:58:00 CDT 46:52 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist Matthew B. Gage The Conversion of Saul - Acts 9:1-26 The conversion of Saul is a watershed moment in the history of mankind. It was not just that Christianity’s fiercest opponent became its most ardent supported. Saul would eventually turn the world upside down through his writing and his missionary travels. The course of the Roman Empire and even European civilization would never be the same. Sat, 4 Sep 2010 11:59:00 CDT 33:42 Bible, Acts, Book of Acts, Bible Study, Baptist, Sermons, Fundamental Baptist