Author:

Jared Smith

Jared Smith was born in Wimbledon, London and became a Christian when he was eight years old. He has been the pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church, Kensington Place, since 1999. The church was established in 1866 by baptized believers who subscribed to Restricted Communion and Particular Redemption. These founding doctrines remain core values of the church, as does the Authorised Version and pastoral oversight. Jared seeks to promote these values among churches today.

Website: www.expoundit.com

The Apostle Paul uses the term “brethren” fourteen times with reference to the recipients of his letter. In this study, the letter as a whole is first expounded, providing a backdrop for the precepts announced in the text. The text itself is then unfolded with special emphasis on the peacefulness and faithfulness each believer is to demonstrate in his relationship with others. Encompassing the whole subject of Christian brotherhood is the Sovereign Grace of God that not only ushers a sinner into fellowship with Himself, but also sustains the saint in his relationship with the brethren.

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Two of the greatest challenges facing any church is the persecution brought against her by oppressors, and the perversion of truth wrought within her by deceptive members. It is Jude’s purpose to deal with the latter problem, wherein he provides a helpful guide in not only identifying the true Christian, but also exposing false professors. This study seeks to challenge the testimony of every professing believer, by bringing all claims to Christ under the scrutiny of His Sovereign Grace.

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Regeneration

5 Dec 2011, by Jared Smith

Regeneration

An exposition of John 1:10-14.

Regeneration is the sovereign activity of God wherein the Holy Spirit implants the principle of a new life in the soul of man, thereby uniting that soul with the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also called the New Birth, this activity is unrelated to the modern day Charismatic Movement; it is irrespective of water baptism; and it is not contingent on faith and repentance. However, those who are born again demonstrate their experience by water baptism and they exercise faith and repentance as fruits of the Holy Spirit. This study provides a Scriptural overview of this doctrine and gives special attention to the first reference.

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An exposition of Psalm 2:6-9.

These verses highlight the rule of authority retained by the Son of God. He is presented as the King of kings and Lord of lords, owning all people regardless of their attitude towards Him. His dominion is exercised either by redeeming those whom the Father has given to the Son, or else executing judgment upon those who remain in sin. The great question pursued in this study: In what way does the Son of God own you?

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An exposition of Psalm 2:12.

The term “kiss” is first used in Genesis 27:26,27 when Isaac said, “Come near now, and kiss me, my son.” It is an ancient custom exemplifying one’s honour for an elder, submission to authority and obedience to a ruler. The term is used by David in this Psalm to identify the nature of a Christian’s relationship with the Son of God. The question explored in this study: How does a Christian honour the Lord Jesus Christ?

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A lecture on the origin of the church.

When the New Testament uses the term “ecclesia” with reference to a community of God’s people, it always and only refers to one of three things: (1) A particular assembly of Jesus Christ on earth, such as, “the church of God which is at Corinth”; (2) Particular assemblies of Jesus Christ addressed collectively, such as, “the churches of Galatia”; (3) The one assembly of Jesus Christ that will be gathered in glory, such as that “glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.” The question answered in this study: When did Jesus establish His church?

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A lecture on the ordinance of baptism.

There are two ordinances Christ has established for His church: Baptism and the Lord’s Table. Baptism qualifies a Christian to become a member of the church; the Lord’s Table enables a Christian to maintain his membership with the church. Baptism symbolizes a believer’s submission to the will of God; the Lord’s Table demonstrates a believer’s discipline to the Word of God. This study seeks to provide an overview for the ordinance of Baptism.

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A lecture on the ordinance of the Lord’s Table.

There are two ordinances Christ has established for His church: Baptism and the Lord’s Table. Baptism qualifies a Christian to become a member of the church; the Lord’s Table enables a Christian to maintain his membership with the church. Baptism symbolizes a believer’s submission to the will of God; the Lord’s Table demonstrates a believer’s discipline to the Word of God. This study seeks to provide an overview for the ordinance of the Lord’s Table.

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A lecture on the Order of the Church: Its Statement and Significance.

The New Testament describes the church as an organism and an organization. As an organism, she is a living entity for which God is largely responsible for her existence and growth; as an organization, she is a well ordered mechanism for which man is largely responsible for her discipline and oversight. A healthy church is one which maintains discipline as an organization, as well as one which grows in the Lord as a living body. These lectures on the Order of the Church are looking at the assembly of Christ from the standpoint of her organizational components.

The questions answered in this study: Has Christ given to His church a statement of purpose; and, what role should the church have in the life of a Christian?

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A lecture on the Order of the Church: Its Size.

The New Testament describes the church as an organism and an organization. As an organism, she is a living entity for which God is largely responsible for her existence and growth; as an organization, she is a well ordered mechanism for which man is largely responsible for her discipline and oversight. A healthy church is one which maintains discipline as an organization, as well as one which grows in the Lord as a living body. These lectures on the Order of the Church are looking at the assembly of Christ from the standpoint of her organizational components.

The question answered in this study: Has the Lord designed His church to grow without numerical limits, or is there an optimal size each congregation should seek to maintain?

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