Month: October 2009

Philemon 1-7

At the beginning of Paul’s letter to Philemon, he was very complimentary of his friend and brother. He acknowledged the “love and faith” that he had toward “the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints.” He also mentioned the good things in Philemon’s character, and the fact that the brethren had been “refreshed” by his character and works.

His diplomacy had a very specific and important purpose. Paul desired that Philemon be receptive to his petition on behalf of Onesimus. By his kind words and solicitous manner, Paul influenced Philemon to do the right thing in accepting Onesimus back, not only as a slave, but as a “beloved brother” (vs. 16).

A distinction must be made. Paul was not “flattering” Philemon. Flattery is deceitful and insincere. Paul was honest and genuine in his praise of a worthy brother. Also, seeking to influence people to do right is very different from attempts to manipulate. It is different both in tactics and motivation. What Paul did in his praise of Philemon was good and right, and to be emulated by all Christians.

“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:9-10).

The term “hospitable,” in this text, is easily defined. It means “fond of guests.” The concept of Christian love demands that we not be grudging regarding the keeping and care of guests. Having brethren into your home is an expression of love, care and appreciation for them.

Next week the brethren here have an opportunity to have a preacher of the gospel into their home. Brother Greer is doing us a great service in preaching the truth of God’s word. It is a great gift that we are unable to repay in kind. But, we can be hospitable to him, and we can do it without grumbling! (Spaces remain available on the meal list).

This past week I came across an article titled, “Evolution is a Fact and a Theory,” from The TalkOrigins Archive. The article is written by an evolutionist, Laurence Moran, and seeks to explain why the attacks of creationists against the theory of evolution are invalid.

In the article Moran quotes from a 1981 article, written by Stephen J. Gould, that appeared in Discover Magazine in 1981. Gould asserts that certain aspects of evolution are a matter of fact, and others are a matter of theory.

Continue reading “In The News: Is Evolution Fact or Theory?” →

This series is entitled “A Refutation of the A.D. 70 Doctrine.” It was preached at the West Side church on three consecutive Sundays, on October 11, 18, 25, 2009.

The series was not intended to be an extensive review of the doctrine, also known as Realized Eschatology. Such an undertaking would require much more time than reserved for this series. Instead, Stan examined what the Bible teaches about the end times, introduced the error, and established a few clear principles that clearly show this peculiar doctrine to be false.

This post contains links to all the materials available from the series.

• Lesson 1 – Bible Eschatology PPT MP3
• Lesson 2 – Introduction to Realized Eschatology PPT MP3
• Lesson 3 – Refuting Realized Eschatology PPT MP3

This is the third lesson of three designed to refute the A.D. 70 Doctrine. This doctrine asserts that all prophecy was consummated at the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Hence, the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the end of the world all have already happened.

Lesson 3 continues the second lesson in refuting the doctrine of Realized Eschatology.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon is based on the text of 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. We may suffer persecution and distress in our lives as Christians, but we are partakers in the suffering of Christ, and as such we have consolation and comfort as a result of our relationship to him. Of course, ultimately that consolation has an eternal application because of our hope of heaven.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon is introduced by the text of Isaiah 2:1-3, where it is said, “Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths” (vs. 3).

This indicates that in the Kingdom of God, invitations will be extended to others. We as Christians are responsible for extending that invitation. Practical applications include inviting people to worship services, inviting them to study the Bible, and inviting them to obey the gospel of Christ.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This is the second lesson of three designed to refute the A.D. 70 Doctrine. This doctrine asserts that all prophecy was consummated at the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Hence, the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the end of the world all have already happened.

Lesson 2 is an introduction to Realized Eschatology with a special emphasis placed upon the error of Max R. King. He wrote The Spirit of Prophecy in 1971, and his writings and teachings are what have had the most impact upon churches of Christ.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This is the first lesson of three designed to refute the A.D. 70 Doctrine. This doctrine asserts that all prophecy was consummated at the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Hence, the Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the end of the world all have already happened.

Lesson 1 in this series is a positive statement of Bible teaching regarding the end times.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Even as we pattern ourselves by those who live righteously… (“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ”, 1 Corinthians 11:1), …ultimately our pattern to follow is the Lord Himself.

What did Christ do for us as our example?

• He suffered for us
• He repelled the tempter through God’s word and prayer
• He forgave sinners seeking His mercy
• He was compassionate
• He exemplified humility

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Being a Christian involves working and worshipping with a sound local congregation of God’s people. In so doing, we must work with others of different backgrounds and personalities. For this reason it is important for us to learn how to better work with others. The sermon establishes five things that must be present for Christians to work well together.

• Mutual Respect
• Love
• Trustworthiness
• Honesty
• Humility

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon is based upon a well known sermon chart, in which it is established that man must not go beyond the doctrine of Christ. Things such as the doctrines of men, perversions or changes of the gospel, acting outside of personal faith, standards of righteousness established by men, and the wisdom that emanates from man are condemned in scripture.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The New Testament reveals characteristics concerning the church established by Christ. This church, as contrasted with the denominations of our day, is the only legitimate religious organization in which Christians should be members. This sermon reveals what are the identifying characteristics of that church.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

The sermon examines God’s requirements for Christians today to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In 2 Corinthians 10, Paul gives one of his many defenses of his work as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul affirms that he came to the Corinthians with the gospel, and as such, with the authority of Jesus Christ.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .