Sound Teaching

The Gospel of our Lord is the sole power of God to salvation. It demands to be declared militantly, and authoritatively. No other message (from man) compares.

A tent was the common dwelling for the nomadic people of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. Psalm 118:15 speaks of the “tents of the righteous”, and establishes a picture that is very instructive to the child of God.

Churches that are interested in truly lighting a fire under members would do well to remember that a movie, play or skit may cause someone to walk out the door sad, happy, or angry (depending upon the purpose of the dramatics); but the preaching of the gospel of our Lord (if heeded) will lead to lifetime commitments and zeal. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). As always, God’s way is the best way!

There is much controversy regarding Holy Spirit baptism among religious people today. What does the New Testament teach concerning Holy Spirit baptism, and the part it plays, if any, in the conversion of man.

The term “endure” normally intimates a negative, such as eduring temptation or trial. However, in 2 Timothy 4:3, the apostle refers to those who are unwilling to “endure” sound doctrine. The truth of God is a positive thing, and it is a rather peculiar statement that it is something that must be endured. The concept is examined in this sermon.

Matthew 15:1-14 contains an exchange between the Pharisees and Jesus that led our Lord to categorize them as “Blind leaders of the blind.” There is danger in being led by those who themselves are blind to truth. Our personal responsibility is to study and equip ourselves to avoid such danger.

The first chapter of James has practical wisdom for man. The writer indicates that it is profitable to suffer through trial and tribulation. This is so, though it is not enjoyable. Why? Such tribulation develops patience in the believer.

Heaven is attainable by all, but it has not yet been attained. A resurrection to life is something that can be apprehended, but it is not yet in our grasp. It is incumbent upon each of us to “suffer the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that [we] may gain Christ” (3:8). Can it be said that you have that same single-minded zeal to live for Christ that the apostle Paul exhibited?

The doctrine and practice of Institutionalism is wrong, and has done much damage to the Lord’s church and the Lord’s cause. In this edition of Sound Teaching, the error of institutionalism is examined.

We certainly can not guarantee the conversion of souls at the preaching of the gospel. We do live in challenging times, as our society is more interested in fun and frolic than the welfare of their souls. However, we must not allow such apathy to affect our efforts to spread the Word of our Lord. Remember the Apostle’s words, “So then neither he who plants is any thing, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Each of us must “Preach the Word!”

Just because some men reject the authority of God’s will, it in no way changes the import of His words. Our Lord said to the Father in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth.”

Preachers need to preach relevant, convicting, informative sermons. And, those who hear such messages are obligated to receive them with open and honest hearts.

John chapter 8 records a conversation between Jesus and a woman caught in adultery. Jesus showed mercy to the woman, conditioned upon her repentance. This teaches us the importance of turning away from ungodliness, and to serve the living God.

Paul said that we should no longer be “tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14). It certainly is a time for caution. We must stay true to “the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or by our epistle.”

Leprosy is a loathsome disease that terrified ancient people, including the Israelites. It serves as a parallel to the greatest scourge (disease) of mankind, the spiritual malady of sin.