Month: June 2010

For the last several weeks many Americans have been a bit distracted by the 2010 World’s Cup soccer tournament. It happens every four years, and for that period of time, some (not all) Americans suddenly become interested in the “other” sport of football.

Alas, the American team was defeated in the round of sixteen last week, and the ardor that accompanied the United State’s early success has largely cooled. Soccer is just not that interesting to Americans in general, in contrast to the fanatical love of the game that exists in other parts of the world.

Continue reading “In the News: Flavor of the Day” →

On July 4, 1776, the fathers of our country signed a Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Today, Americans celebrate that significant event with picnics, fireworks and parades.

Over 2,000 years ago, just a few days following the Jewish observance of the Passover feast, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. His victory assures those who are His an independence and freedom that far surpasses that enjoyed by Americans.

“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! … But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:17,20).

It’s great to be an American. But, it can’t compare to the freedom we have in Christ!

I recently came across the following quote from an unknown source:

The Bohemian reformer John Hus was a man who believed the Scriptures to be the infallible and supreme authority in all matters. He died at the stake for that belief in Constance, Germany, on his forty-second birthday. As he refused a final plea to renounce his faith, Hus’s last words were, “What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood.”

Hus’ attempts to reform Catholicism predated those of Martin Luther by 100 years. Though he never came close to an understanding of truth, the quote above shows that he had a proper attitude toward its defense. This willingness to die for the faith is laudable, and should be emulated by Christians today. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

That’s not to say we will have to die for our faith. We are fortunate in our day to receive the protection of the state as we practice our faith. However, too often Christians in our time lack the virtue to stand for God’s word, without compromise, no matter the cost. This is what God requires, and each of us must count that cost as we live for Christ.

This sermon discusses the principle of Necessary implication, as it impacts how we establish Biblical authority for our teaching and practice.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Lord’s church is unique. The sermon discusses its nature. Both universal and local, showing Christ’s lordship, the pattern established by Christ, and the concept of local autonomy.

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Sermon Audio: Click Here .

I can’t count the number of times I have come across someone who freely used profanity in my presence, only to apologize upon learning that I am a preacher. While the apology is appreciated, it is also somewhat curious. First, why make an exception for a preacher? Is the denominational clergy/laity distinction really so strong in our society today that people feel a different set of rules apply when in the presence of a preacher? No such distinction exists in scripture, and it is interesting that it affects even the most profane of individuals in our culture. Second, as the offender obviously realizes that such language is inappropriate, why is he so quick to use profanity even around people he does not know? Does he think it acceptable to offend people, as long as they are not clergy? When did it become O.K. to act so offensively in public?

Continue reading “You Offend Me!” →

This sermon shows that the Jewish concept of a military savior was unscriptural. The savior, of necessity, came to suffer and die as a sacrifice for mankind.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

While reading a golf magazine, of all things, I came across this gem of a quote.

“The only thing more infuriating than a complete idiot is a complete idiot that you agree with.”

How true! I recently received one of those email forwards (from a gospel preacher), in support of the controversial Arizona immigration legislation recently passed. Trouble is, the email was blatantly racist!

As Christians we believe that husbands are the head of the family (cf. Ephesians 5 & 6). Unfortunately, misogynists feel the same way. As Christians we believe the sense of entitlement that so often accompanies our welfare state to be ungodly (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Unfortunately, that is a common refrain of the racist. As Christians we believe homosexuality to be a sin (cf. Romans 1:24-32). The same sentiment is used by some to express hatred for the sinner, rather than a desire to bring them to repentance. As Christians we champion the view that truth is objective and singular (cf. John 14:6). Unfortunately, this has been the excuse for centuries of wars, genocide and intolerance.

In other words, some idiots agree with us. We can’t help that, but we must be sure that we are not one of them! Truth sets man free (cf. John 8:32). It uplifts and ultimately saves mankind. It is also commonly wrested by men “to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). The moral is… Don’t be a complete idiot!

A practical lesson from Dennis Scroggins, teaching the importance of purity in speech.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

An examination of sin.

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A few days ago I ran across the following illustration, penned by an anonymous author:

Several years ago a book was published entitled “Looking Out for Number One.” On the dedication page the author wrote, “Dedicated to the hope that somewhere in our universe there exists a civilization where the inhabitants possess sole dominion over their own lives.” There is such a place. It’s called Hell.

It is an interesting quote, and accurate to a certain extent. Men who seek to do their own will rather than the will of God most certainly will end up in Hell. We are not free to flout God’s will. To do so has consequences.

However, it is inaccurate to say that they possess sole dominion over their own lives. They may not be aware of it, but such men are slaves. “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

So the question isn’t whether you want to be free to do your own will. The question is what do you want to be a slave of — a slave of “sin, leading to death”; or a slave of “obedience, leading to righteousness.”

The freedom to flout God’s will, thus “self-dominion” is an illusion — one that will be shattered at the judgment day.