Sound Teaching

Paul, in his sermon to the Jews in the synagogue of Antioch in Pisidia, takes up that thread with the Jews’ sojourn in Egypt. Following the thread through the wilderness into Canaan, he mentions the period of the judges, and the Kings, including Saul and David. He indicated that the Christ of God would come through David’s seed, mentioned John the Baptist as the Christ’s forerunner, and proclaimed Jesus of Nazareth to be that Messiah.

Guest speaker Joshua Cox establishes from scripture that as Christians we are to live lives of contentment. The pursuit and love of money is problematic in the Christian life.

One exception to note: A Christian must not be content with regard to his knowledge of God’s word. He must press on, and strive for perfection.

In Romans 12:1-8, the apostle Paul reveals four marks of the truly devoted disciple of Christ.

Acts 9:31 reveals that the early church prospered as Christians walked in the “fear of the Lord.” What does it mean to fear the Lord? What are the blessings of this walk? And how do we as Christians walk in the “fear of the Lord?”

Guest speaker John Robertson does a fine job of expressing the importance of complete obedience to God. The title is taken from Joshua 11:15.

A proper understanding of the principle of autonomy will aid Christians in standing for truth, and avoiding the error that has caused so many to lose their souls.

Even as some evolutionists talk about the infinitesimal probabilities involved in producing a “life-friendly” universe, they stubbornly resist the idea that God is behind it all. They study the heavens intently, but are oblivious to their testimony (cf. Psalm 19:1-ff). Truly, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1).

The miracles prove Jesus to be who He claimed He was. We do not have a record of all that Jesus did while He lived on earth. What we do have is sufficient. And, we can be assured by the testimony of God, (cf. Hebrews 2:1-4), that belief in the Son will bring us “life in His name.”

Prejudice of any type, whether based upon race, culture, gender, age or financial standing, makes one a judge “with evil thoughts” (cf. vs. 4). It is sinful, and violates the principle of neighborly love. It is also subtle. Many show their prejudice in language and behavior, and are slow to recognize it in themselves, or quick to rationalize its presence. Brethren, this is important, do not show partiality!

The Apostle Paul used Sarah and Hagar to express some important truths concerning the change in law from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The application is important here. 1) Do not allow yourself to be entangled in bondage to the law; 2) Do not use the Liberty of Christ as a liscense to sin.

In Nehemiah 8, the remnant of Israel showed a respect for God and His Word, as Ezra the scribe read the law in their hearing. Such respect led to their obedience, and standing before God. Such serves as a wonderful example to us today.

The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, not only affirms the fact of Christ’s resurrection, but notes that the lives of those who reject that fact are futile and dissolute.

Some Christians seem to be embarrassed about the distinct nature of the church, its work, and the preaching of the gospel of our Lord. This should not be so.

The coming of Elijah’s spirit once again, in preparation for the fulfillment of all things; John’s ministry signified that the most important events in man’s history were imminent. The significance of his ministry is seen in the final words of the text, “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

While the Bible is not a scientific textbook, and does not directly answer the question as to when life begins, it does reveal God’s view that life exists in the womb. Too, faith rather than science is where the appeal must be made regarding questions of humanity. Secular society has revealed itself as totally incapable of making proper decisions in this regard.