Month: May 2008

3 John 1-4

Some of the greetings in the epistles of the New Testament are wonderful expressions of praise to the faithful. This is a grand example of such a commendation.

Gaius was an exceptional Christian. John’s words were not false flattery. These are inspired words, and Gaius here received praise from the Holy Spirit.

What was Gaius commended for? He walked in truth! Where many today put little emphasis on the truth of God, Gaius was notable because of his allegiance to it. As John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vs. 4).

Here is the key. Gaius not only familiarized himself with God’s truth, but he walked in it. He was obedient to it. He lived his life by it. “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25).

(Editor’s Note: The following article was written by Donna Craig’s sister, Dene Ward. She has a degenerative type of glaucoma, and is nearly blind. I thought her illustration is wonderful, and a good reminder of the truth expressed in Ephesians 4:11-16. My thanks to Donna and her sister for sharing it with us. SC)

Shortly after this latest surgery, when I had grown weary of sitting in a dark house alone day after day, I donned a couple of pairs of sunglasses and a hat with a broad visor, picked up my walking sticks, and stepped outside. It was still morning so as long as I faced west, the light was tolerable.

The dogs heard me coming and met me at the door, bumping each other out of the way vying for the first pat, tails wagging so hard and fast they might have been declared lethal weapons. When they saw my intent to head out into the open, they took off in that direction, Magdi stiffly romping, an old dog briefly reminded of her youth, and Chloe ripping circles around her, leaving skid marks in the grass.

Continue reading “A Bright Spot in the Day” →

It is difficult for a rich man to enter heaven, due to pride, covetousness, and the corruption that riches can bring. There is also the possibility that the riches themselves may have been garnered unrighteously. The sermon deals with the problems of the rich, then points out that we all can struggle with the dangers of riches in our society.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Much of the religious world claims a “personal relationship with God.” They then attempt to self-define that relationship, rather than realizing such a relationship is dependent upon God recognizing their standing before Him. This sermon details what is necessary to have such an intimacy with the Almighty.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Did you hear the one about the rich old man who told his wife before dying that he wanted all of his money buried with him? At his funeral, just before the casket was closed she put a metal box in the casket with him. “Surely you didn’t put all the money in there?”, asked her friend. “Well, he did request it”, she said. “I got all the money together and put it in my checking account. I wrote him a check and put it in the box. If he can cash it, he can have it!”

It seems that many live their lives in such a way as to suggest the believe they can, in fact, take their money with them when they die! Such thinking is foolish! Remember the foolish rich man of Luke 12? He spent his time and focus in getting ahead in life. After he had accomplished his purpose, he sat back and said, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink and be merry” (vs. 19). God’s answer to him was, “Fool!, This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (vs. 20).

Continue reading “You Can’t Take it With You” →

1 John 1:1-3

In John’s introduction to his first epistle, he quickly affirms two basic facts. First, that the gospel of Christ was authentic. He states that he was an eyewitness to that which brings eternal life. He heard it, saw it, gazed upon it, and handled it.

An examination of the gospels underscores the truthfulness of this declaration. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. The apostles not only heard of that resurrection, they saw and touched the Lord. They recognized His victory over death. Paul wrote, “…by Man also came the resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor. 15:21).

Second, that the gospel of Christ brings eternal life. He declared it to his readers that they might also “have fellowship with us.” Because it is authentic, it means Jesus truly is the Savior. He died for our sins, and was resurrected from the dead. His victory over death supplies for us the same hope!

While doing some research on the internet this past week, I came across the poster reproduced to the left. (The text reads: “Modern Science will save the world – or kill us all”

The poster is designed to dramatize that science/technology is commonly a two edged sword. The same technology that has produced nuclear power also produced the nuclear bomb. The invention of the combustible engine allows us to travel hundreds of miles in a day, but also has led to a number of potentially serious environmental problems—to say nothing of nearly $4.00 per gallon gasoline prices! The internet allows us access to almost unlimited information instantaneously, yet its largest tenant is the pornographer.

Continue reading “In The News: The Promises of Modern Science” →

Some people, most often in attitude rather than explicitly, exhibit the following attitude:

For some reason, God has released me from my spiritual obligations and responsibilities. I can shirk my duties without fear of punishment. God will not hold me accountable, despite not fulfilling my responsibilities toward him.

This lesson deals with such an ungodly attitude.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Calvinistic doctrine of salvation by Faith only is commonly being expressed in our time in the Phrase, “Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone” The phrase intimates not only that obedience is not required of man, but also the impossibility of Apostasy.

It also contradicts plain teaching in Hebrews 11 & 12, and James 2, the texts under consideration in this lesson.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

On April 1, 2008, an article was posted to the website of Plain Truth Ministries. (To read the article, click here). The article was written by Monte Wolverton. It is titled, “Is It a Sin or is It Just Stupid?”

The article quotes a survey study by Ellison Research, which it states is a “Christian research firm” located in Phoenix, AZ. The survey sampled over 1000 adults, and came to the conclusion that most Americans believe in sin.

However, Americans vary widely in what they believe to be sin. Consider the following:

• 81% believe adultery is sin.
• 74% believe that racism is sin.
• 65% believe using hard drugs is sin.
• 41% believe that smoking marijuana is sin.
• 41% believe getting drunk is sin.
• 14% believe drinking alcohol is sin.
• 56% believe having an abortion is sin.
• 52% homosexuality is sin.
• 30% believe gambling is sin.
• 4% believe that dancing is sin.

Continue reading “In The News: Is It a Sin or is It Just Stupid?” →

2 Peter 1:1-4

The apostle Peter opens his second epistle by pronouncing a blessing upon those “who have obtained like precious faith with us.”

The key to this passage is the realization that all such blessings are found through Christ. The faith mentioned above is accomplished “by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

In the following verses, Peter establishes that grace and peace come through a knowledge of Jesus; that the power of Christ has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness”; and it is by Jesus that we have been given “exceedingly great and precious promises.”

The obvious conclusion is that as Christians, we are fulfilled. We have everything we need, equipped on this earth, and equipped for a future existence with God. All of this is accomplished through the power of Jesus Christ. Through Him, we escape to eternity.

Georgia executed killer William Earl Lynd last night, ending a more than seven-month nationwide hiatus on capital punishment prompted by the Supreme Court’s examination of lethal injection.

Lynd’s execution at 7:51 p.m. was the first since the court ruled April 16 that the three-drug protocol most commonly used in executions by states and the federal government did not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

The court last night turned down Lynd’s last-minute request for a stay, as the Georgia Supreme Court had earlier in the day. He was executed at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson.

Robert Barnes
Washington Post, May 7, 2008

Analysis:

William Earl Lynd was sentenced to death by a jury of his peers because of the heinous nature of the crime he committed. He shot his live in girlfriend, Ginger Moore in the face while high on drugs. After Moore crawled from the house to the porch, he shot her again. He loaded her body into the trunk, then when he heard a noise from the trunk, he opened it and shot her again. After driving across state lines, he buried her, then shot and killed another woman. Since he took her across state lines, he was charged with kidnapping, and these extra circumstances were sufficient to get him the death penalty.

Continue reading “In The News: Stay on Executions Over” →

Philemon 8-11

In the eighth verse of his epistle to Philemon, Paul clearly reveals the purpose of his writing. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had apparently ran away from Philemon. He had met Paul, and Paul had converted him to Christ (vs 10). As Paul put it, “who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me” (vs. 11).

While Paul had the authority to command Philemon in his treatment of the slave, he did not exercise that prerogative. Instead, he appealed to Philemon as a faithful and loving child of God.

Onesimus had broken the law in running away. His return could have been dangerous for him, but Paul was convinced that the love of Christ, present in Philemon, would moderate his response to Onesimus’ return — especially since Onesimus was now a brother in Christ.

No matter our relative positions in life, when we are Christians, we are brethren.

A general sermon on the subject of Singing. Establishes authority for the act of worship, as well as showing how various innovations regarding musical worship over the centuries are unscriptural. The sermon shows why we sing, the benefits, and gives some practical suggestions to song leaders and the congregation.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here

Sermon Audio: Click Here

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Paul here exhorts Christians to pray for “all men, for kings and all who are in authority.”

The broad scope of such prayer clearly indicates the extent of the Christian’s charity. His desire is to be for the welfare of all men. As such, we are told even to “love [our] enemies” (Matthew 5:44).

The prayers are to include “supplications” (requests on behalf of another), and “intercessions” (an intervention for his benefit), as well as the giving of thanks. These are not imprecatory prayers (to invoke evil upon our enemies); rather they are petitions on their behalf and are intended to do them good.

Note also the benefit accrued to the Christian who prays, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
God desires that all men be saved, including both those in authority, and those who would benefit from their righteous rule.