My God and My Neighbor

We need to tread carefully when we ask questions like this. After all, we are talking about God’s intentions, and we must not be guilty of putting words in God’s mouth. Thankfully, there is a passage in the Bible that talks about why God made the world and placed us in it. There is a reason why we are here. Many live their lives not knowing what this purpose is. Some even say there is no purpose, so forget about looking for an answer because there isn’t one. But there is, and when we understand it, it will give us light in a world of darkness. It will give direction in a hectic world.Read about this subjectScriptures: Acts 17:27; Joshua 24:15; Ezekiel 18“God and Evil”—chapter five in Pillars of the FaithView more on this subject“Calvinism and Free Will”

5/7/25 • 30:57

“Why, Lord?”SeriesWhen you're dealing with a difficult problem, it helps to go back to the basics. That's true with the problem of evil which is the most perplexing question man can ever consider. In this lesson, we will look at two different kinds of evil in the world. One is moral evil which is sin. The other is sometimes called natural evil. This is suffering. If we are too understand this subject, we must know and remember the opening chapters of the book of Genesis. That is where evil began in this world. The simple fundamental facts of the creation and the change in the earth after man sinned will help us to understand why there is so much sin and suffering. Read about this subjectScriptures: Genesis 1-3Right From the Beginning Listen to more on this subjectBible Doctrine, Creation—“The World”

4/30/25 • 30:46

The Mother of All Questions: Why?You're not the only one who has asked this question. In fact, many great prophets and holy men in the Bible struggled with it. That's one of the benefits of reading the Bible. We are not alone facing hardships and not being able to understand why they happen. As we begin this study of the problem of evil, we will notice two questions that have at times tormented good people: why and how long? Read about this subjectScriptures: Numbers 11; Job 3; Jeremiah 12:1-3; Habakkuk 1:1-5; Revelation 6:9-10God at a Distance, Kerry DukeListen to more on this subject“Is There a God?” Bible Doctrine audio

4/23/25 • 30:41

G. Campbell Morgan said no man is an accurate interpreter of his own generation. We are too busy trying to get through the challenges of the day to be able to see the overall picture, to connect the dots and to determine what caused the situation and where it will end. We have to wait until the smoke clears, and that takes time. Still there are indicators that are hard to miss. The decline of a culture takes place gradually, but some marks are indisputable. As we grow older we see more of them and we see them more clearly. But this cycle is thousands of years old. In this lesson we will look at a fascinating passage in Isaiah that corresponds closely to many of the things we are seeing unfold before our eyes!Read about this subjectScripture: Isaiah 3:1-26Listen to more on this subjectAmerica Through the Eyes of Isaiah

4/16/25 • 32:56

Sometimes people ask what will happen to those who have never heard the gospel. Sometimes they need to think about the reverse. What will happen to those who have heard but don’t obey? That’s what Jesus talks about at the end of the famous Sermon on the Mount. He began early in this sermon saying that the Jews had heard much teaching from the scribes and the Pharisees. At the close He’s saying: Now that you’ve heard My teaching, make sure you do it! Millions have heard or read the Sermon on the Mount. Millions can quote verses in it. But Jesus said the world needs living sermons of His teaching!You can now study the entire Living the Sermon series from the My God and My Neighbor podcast on our website! This powerful series takes you through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing not just hearing His words—but living them. From the opening beatitudes to the final warning about building on the rock, each episode brings the sermon to life in practical, personal ways. Whether you're catching up or diving in for the first time, all episodes are now linked in one place for easy access and study.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:24-27; James 1:22-25; Ezekiel 33:30-33Sermons We SeeListen to more on this subjectRENEW 2015-“Is Your Religion As Good As You Sing It?”, “Blessed Assurance”

4/9/25 • 30:14

“Talk is cheap.” There's a lot of empty chatter today. We hear it in politics. We hear it in business. Most tragically, we hear it in religion. In an age of bells and whistles, we long to see Christians who back up what they say with how they live—not for show, but out of love and faith. Jesus said it will take more than talk to enter heaven. As He nears the end of this famous sermon, He warns and admonishes us about putting His words into practice. These powerful and piercing words need to be taught more often in congregations today.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; Matthew 23:3“The Two Builders” (First Quarter)Listen to more on this subjectI John Bible Commentary

4/2/25 • 30:43

What do you think of when you hear the words “false teacher”? Jim Jones? Joseph Smith? Muhammad? Jesus said false prophets are not as obvious as people might assume. They appear to be just the opposite of what they are. But if they are that deceptive, how can we know what they really are? In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus explains this. There is a way to see through all the charisma, eloquence and enthusiasm of men who are not what they claim to be. It takes more than just listening to how they talk. It means we must focus on what they say. It means we cannot be naïve and accept their claims to be loving servants of God. We must go by what they do, not what they say. The Lord used a simple illustration from nature to teach this powerful lesson.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:15-20; II Peter 2:1-22; Jeremiah 14; Jeremiah 23; I Kings 18“The Faith Under Fire”Listen to more on this subjectII Peter Bible Commentary

3/26/25 • 30:39

We often talk about the path life takes us on. It’s true that there are unexpected things on life’s journey, but the truth is that, in regard to eternity, we choose the path we’re on. Jesus talks about these two roads in the Sermon on the Mount and utters some startling words to modern ears about how many choose the wrong road. These are roads that lead to our eternal destiny, not paths to success in this world. Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:13-14; Proverbs 16:25“An Easier Way?”Listen to more on this subjectBible Commentary | End of Times | “Heaven”“10 N 10” 10 Proverbs in 10 Minutes Devotional Series

3/19/25 • 30:32

Those who serve in the military talk about having a code. Businesses have standards they expect employees to follow. Communities have rules and customs they want everyone to respect. Anywhere you go, you will find basic beliefs about how you should treat others.Jesus said one rule of life summarizes the Old Testament. We call it the Golden Rule. If this one verse in the Sermon on the Mount were practiced in homes, schools, and communities, you would see a change in this country the likes of which you can’t imagine.But change begins with me—one person at a time. Ponder this verse and apply it to your heart and life as we study one of the most well-known but often neglected teachings of the Master.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:8-10; Luke 10:25-37How to Treat EveryoneListen to more on this subject“Empty Religion” America Through the Eyes of IsaiahProverbs 12 “10 n 10” 10 Proverbs in 10 Minutes Devotional Series

3/12/25 • 30:49

In this special episode of My God and My Neighbor, we feature a powerful lesson from Glenn Ramsey, who has preached the gospel for 70 years and taught at Tennessee Bible College for 45. Speaking at TBC’s 50th Annual Lectureship, Brother Ramsey delivered an unforgettable message on Treasure in Earthen Vessels from II Corinthians 4. But what made this lesson truly special was the wisdom and personal reflections he shared—preaching from the overflow of a lifetime dedicated to the gospel. Tune in to hear a rare glimpse into the heart and history of a seasoned preacher, and be encouraged by the rich treasure of faith he has to offer.Read about this subjectScriptures: II Corinthians 4, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Romans 10:14-15, II Timothy 2:2, John 8:32Listen to more on this subjectRENEW 2025 Audio Lessons

3/5/25 • 34:42

God blesses, but we must seek those blessings. God will do His part if we do ours. The Creator put mankind here “so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27). When we find Him by becoming Christians, we still seek His blessings. We strive to do better. We ask Him for help and strength. Jesus made a promise about this in the Sermon on the Mount. God our Father in heaven is like earthly fathers. He wants to give us good things. But we must seek and ask.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:1-13“God Wants US to Pray”Listen to more on this subjectGalatians Bible Commentary 

2/26/25 • 30:27

There are some people you can't teach. Even Jesus was not successful every time He taught people. This is a hard lesson to learn when you love others and try to help them to be saved. After all, Jesus said to go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation in Mark 16:15–16. But it is a fact that some people are so hardened against God and against his Word that they will only berate you if you try to teach them. Jesus used strong and very straightforward language to talk about people like this. He compared them to two repulsive animals in Jewish culture: dogs and hogs. In this lesson from the Sermon on the Mount, we will hear Jesus teaching us how to avoid unnecessary and unproductive arguments with people. This one verse will help us to be wiser and more patient as we spread the gospel.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:6, Acts 13:46; Proverbs 23:9Listen to more on this subjectProverbs 23

2/19/25 • 30:35

How do you feel when someone criticizes you? We don’t like it, especially if the criticism is unfair and harsh. That is understandable. But not all criticism is bad. Sometimes it is for our good. Today there is an idea among Bible readers that is not scriptural. It is the belief that any and all types of judging are wrong. One of the reasons this happens is because society frowns on saying that anything is wrong. Some even say that if you tell someone he has sinned, then you don’t love people like Christians should. And many misquote Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 to support this idea.This episode challenges us to read Jesus’ oft-misquoted words in their context of the Sermon on the Mount and in the context of the Bible as a whole. Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 7:1-5; John 7:24Inspecting FruitListen to more on this subjectLuke 6 in "Bible Commentary"

2/12/25 • 30:55

One of the most common problems anywhere in the world is worry. Some have a harder time dealing with it than others. But at different stages of life, and in certain circumstances, we all wrestle with this challenge. Anxiety is not a problem that is unique to our modern age. Some stress may be due to advances we have made in communication and travel, but the human race has always dealt with worry. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us a lesson about worry that is far more profound than any motivational or self-help book will give you today. His teaching is the only instruction that will truly help us. In this episode, you will be reminded not only to listen to what the Bible says about this problem but also to learn from nature.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-8; I Peter 5:7“Bright Expectations.”Listen to more on this subjectUnderstanding the Times - RENEW 2024

2/5/25 • 30:15

The number one issue on the minds of Americans for years has been the economy. In other words, money. Part of this concern is understandable because we need money to buy food and clothes and medical care and shelter. But it is easy to take this concern too far and become obsessed with money and things. This is an age-old problem. The love of money has infected the souls of people for thousands of years. It is also a challenge to Christians. That's why Jesus teaches us about our attitude toward money in the Sermon on the Mount. If we would only remember what Jesus says in this section, we would not only keep our Christian priorities straight, but we would also enjoy life more and have much less stress. Even if you can afford to put some of your income away in investments for the future on this earth, you cannot afford to neglect Jesus’ financial advice in this passage.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 6:19-24; I Timothy 6:7-10Christians and Their MoneyListen to more on this subject“America Through the Eyes of Isaiah” 

1/29/25 • 30:36

People all over the world pray. They pray to different gods about different things. Some pray without really knowing whom they’re praying to. They most often pray when they’re hurting or afraid. Regardless of differences in prayer, it is a universally understood practice.In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught a lesson about prayer. It’s a general guide for how we should pray. Christians know that they should pray, but we sometimes need the Savior to help us to know how to pray. The words of this section, sometimes called “The Lord’s Prayer,” were for generations ingrained in the hearts of people across America. Now there are some who have never heard this section of Scripture. But Christians need to revisit the Lord’s teaching on this subject as well. This lesson takes us inside the things Jesus mentioned that should be in our prayers.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-13Teachers Annual Lesson Commentary 1953, Lesson 10, June 7: Prayer—Matthew 6:9-15Listen to more on this subject“Persistence in Prayer”—Luke 18:1-8

1/22/25 • 30:38

God sees our heart. He knows why we do bad things and even why we do good things. That is why Jesus talks so much about our motive for doing right. Christianity is not just doing the right things. It is doing the right things for the right reason. But why would anyone go to the trouble of doing something good for a wrong reason? Often it is to draw attention, to win praise from others. Jewish leaders were notorious for this in Jesus’ day. Religious leaders are often just as guilty today. The section of Scripture for this lesson talks about not letting your left hand know what your right hand is doing instead of sounding a trumpet. The important observer is God, not people.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 6:1-18; Luke 11:1-13; Luke 16:15“God Wants Us To Pray For All”Listen to more on this subjectLuke 11:1-13, Bible Commentary

1/15/25 • 30:31

We understand that we should love our family and friends, but love our enemies? How is that possible? Books have been written about hard sayings of Jesus. If there is one command that has puzzled Bible readers for centuries, this is it. How are we to understand these words? As always, the key is to let the Bible interpret itself. This lesson will uncover principles in the Scriptures that will enable you to know what these words mean and what they do not mean. This is one of the teachings of Jesus that set Him apart from the founders of other religions. It points to a moral standard above human standards because people just don’t normally think like this. That source is God. Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:43-48; Exodus 23:4-5; Proverbs 25:21-22; Luke 23:34Right From the Beginning in a World of WrongListen to more on this subjectProverbs 25, 10N10 Episodes

1/8/25 • 30:32

The world can be a dangerous place. Christians and non-Christians both agree on this point. But they disagree about how to respond to the problem of violence. Even Christians disagree on this point some believe in self-defense and others do not. The Sermon on the Mount has been somewhat of a battleground on this issue for centuries. Did Jesus teach non-resistance or does he approve of self-defense? The Second Amendment says that we have the right to bear arms. That addresses the legal aspect of this issue, but the moral aspect can only be determined by the Scriptures. In this lesson, we will look at what Jesus said and what He did not say about the issue of self-defense.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 22:36-38; Exod. 22:2The Sermon on the Mount and the Civil StateListen to more on this subject“Capital Punishment”, Bible Doctrine

1/1/25 • 30:47

How many people do you know that do what they say they will do? Times haven’t changed. An honest, dependable person was hard to find in Bible times. The even sadder fact was that the very people who were supposed to be teaching people the Bible made the situation worse by their traditions. Jesus confronted this problem in the Sermon on the Mount. The Old Testament taught that if a Jew took an oath he was to keep his word, not break it. But the scribes and Pharisees misused that teaching to control the people and to make themselves wealthy. There is more to what Jesus said than just their abuse of Scripture, however. This section of Scripture teaches us the simple and yet rare virtue of honesty. When we’re honest, a simple yes or know will do.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:33-37; Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Ecclesiastes 5:2-5 “Laws Governing Vows,” Annual Lesson Commentary, 1948. Second Quarter: Lesson 9, May 30, 1948   

12/18/24 • 30:47

How many people in America would you say were divorced in the year 1900? One in one thousand. Eighty years later that number had jumped to over 22 women out of every one thousand. This is just one indication that the more people drift from God and the Bible the worse their morals become. But that is just America in recent years. When we go back to Jesus’ day we find that divorce and remarriage was a common problem among Jews and Gentiles. Jesus specifically addressed this issue in the Sermon on the Mount. Popular religious rabbis were lax in their teaching on this subject then just as some preachers are today. These are critical verses on a serious subject and they deserve our attention. Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:31-32; Deuteronomy 24:1; Matthew 19:3-12What God RejoinsListen to more on this subjectBible Doctrine, “The Home, Part 2”

12/11/24 • 30:24

We live in a visual age. As with all progress, there is a good and a bad side to the amazing potential of the screens we use every day. But we must remember that there is nothing really new (Ecc. 1:9). Behind the world of images is the same old human nature. In this lesson, we will look at what Jesus said about men looking at women in the wrong way. This topic could not be more timely and needed. Pornography is the pandemic of our time. It has been called “every man’s battle.” Some surveys reveal that two-thirds of men claiming to be Christians view these images. Jesus makes no excuses for men. He calls it what it is and tells us to take severe measures to avoid going to hell.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:27-28; II Samuel 11:2-5; Job 31:1; Proverbs 6:25; II Peter 2:14“Warning: Danger,” Living Oracles, vol. 38, no. 3“A Battle in Every Age,” Living Oracles, vol. 35, no. 3“The History of Pornography in the Twentieth Century” by James Latham

12/4/24 • 30:43

If you ask people to give an example of something really evil, chances are they will mention murder. There is something so horrific about taking the life of an innocent person that virtually any nation on earth has a law against it. The Bible certainly condemns it. But most people would be surprised to learn that hate is a form of spiritual murder. That means that someone who has never been convicted of first-degree murder can be nonetheless guilty of the sin of hate.It is easy to justify ourselves because we don’t do what others do, especially if they commit crimes like murder. But in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges us to look at our hearts. In this episode, we will begin to study His words, “You have heard…But I say.” The Lord holds a mirror to us in this sermon. Are you ready to look into it?Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:21-26; I John 3:15; Leviticus 19:17-18Listen to more on this subjectI John 3:15, Bible Commentary 

11/27/24 • 30:23

One of the dividing lines between churches today is how we should look at the Old Testament. Should we keep its laws? Should we study it? Is the Sabbath for us? Jesus lived under the Old Testament law. In this lesson, He shows us how to view it. We should neither observe its rituals nor ignore its moral principles. The scribes and Pharisees were the popular teachers in Jesus’ day. But they only used parts of the law to judge others while they omitted other parts. Jesus teaches us in this section not to be partial with the Bible. We must respect all that God says, not just the parts we like or happen to agree with already.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:17-20; Colossians 2:14-17Listen to more on this subjectBible Commentary, Colossians 2:14-17Bible Doctrine, The Old Testament—The Law of Moses

11/20/24 • 30:40

Episode DescriptionOf all the people in your life, who has had the greatest influence on you? That question is usually easier to answer than the next: Of all the people around you, whom would you say you have influenced the most? Sometimes people tell us the impression we have made, but many times they don’t. That’s where faith comes in. The Bible assures us that our lives for Christ are not spent in vain. Jesus said Christians are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Those simple yet profound figures should encourage us. Whether we realize it or not, people are watching and listening. This is all part of Jesus’ teaching—not that others should praise the good we do, but that they see the good in us and glorify the One who saved us and made us whole!Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:13-16; I Peter 2:12; Philippians 2:14-15“Sermons We See”Listen to more on this subject“Understanding the Times: The Culture" RENEW 2024

11/13/24 • 30:39

Persecution is on the rise around the globe. North Korea and Muslim countries like Yemen and Saudi Arabia are some of the most dangerous places for believers in Christ. But other “free” nations are becoming less tolerant of Christian beliefs and practices. That includes the United States which used to be called a “Christian nation.” This episode reminds us that persecution is nothing new. In fact, it is to be expected. Jesus said, “If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute me you” (John 15:20). But Jesus didn’t tell us to feel sorry for ourselves. He said we are blessed if we are persecuted for Him and told us to rejoice! Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:10-12; II Timothy 3:12; I Peter 4:12-16“Feeling the Tension?”Listen to more on this subject“Reversing Good and Evil” America Through the Eyes of IsaiahPersecution in I Peter 4:12-17 Bible Commentary

11/6/24 • 30:57

It can be an elusive goal or an idealistic dream. Peace is hard to find. Everywhere we turn there is arguing and fighting. Is there any hope in this world of chaos and strife? In this episode, we’ll learn first that there is a good kind of peace and a bad kind of peace. Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers,” but He also said that sometimes making peace is not good. We will learn what Jesus means and what He doesn’t mean in this famous beatitude. We will also see great examples in the Bible and powerful verses that will motivate us to be the peacemakers Jesus wants us to be. Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:9; Matthew 10:34-37; Genesis 13:1-9Listen to more on this subject“Children Obey Your Parents” One Gospel Minute Podcast 

10/30/24 • 30:29

“He seems sincere.” “She is a genuine person.” It can be rare to find someone who fits that description. This episode is about Jesus’ teaching on being pure in heart. From the beginning of the Christian life we are to strive to keep our hearts pure. This means having the right motivation—doing the right things for the right reason. It also means keeping impurities out of our souls—greed, lust, pride and other things that defile us. We will also look at one of the greatest moral challenges in our time—the plague of pornography. But this is not just a discussion about the problem of impurities. You will learn practical ways to keep your heart pure.Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:8; II Timothy 1:5; Matthew 5:27-28Listen to more on this subject“Moral Purity” — TBC RENEW Lectureship 2016 – “Revisiting the Battle…”

10/23/24 • 30:45

Are you hungry in a spiritual sense? We know what it’s like to be hungry for food to nourish our body. Do we feel a craving for spiritual food? Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” We live in a time when people have all they want to eat. They constantly entertain themselves. They are restless and go from one pleasure to the next. Yet they feel empty and depressed because there is something missing inside—deep inside. We are made in the image of God which means we have a spirit that is not material. Nothing material can satisfy the needs of the soul. Jesus said there is a way—the only way—to fill that void. Read about this subjectScriptures: Matthew 5:6; I Peter 2:2; Job 23:12; Matthew 6:33“Do You Understand the Bible?”Listen to more on this subjectLuke 7:36-8:25, “Bible Commentary: Luke”

10/16/24 • 30:55

LIVING THE SERMON SERIES“The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible.” That is the most important guideline in Bible interpretation, and it is the key to understanding Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the meek.” Many today think Jesus tolerated just about any lifestyle because He was meek, but the Jesus we read about in the New Testament never compromised. To be meek does not mean to be weak. But there is more to understanding this beatitude than knowing what it doesn’t mean. We will look at two well-known characters in the Bible—one in the Old Testament and the other in the New—to show what it means to have this characteristic in our lives. Read about this subject:Scriptures: Matthew 5:5; Numbers 12:3; Matthew 11:28-30Listen to more on this subject:Ephesians 4:1-3 Bible Commentary

10/9/24 • 30:39