Category: Authority
Subject: Authority
Sermon: And Ezra Opened the Book
A discussion of Nehemiah 8, emphasizing the commendable attitudes and demeanor of God’s people as the Law of Moses was read.
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Sermon: Approved Examples
A discussion of how Bible authority is established, emphasizing the use of Biblical examples to establish permission for action.
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Sermon: The Commands of God
God has explicitly revealed both requirements and prohibitions for us to heed in our lives to please Him. What God says DO, we must DO. What God says DO NOT, we must DO NOT.
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Sermon: The Divine Hermeneutic
This lesson affirms that while there are many interpretations of scripture that doesn’t mean that all such interpretations are valid. When God spoke, He revealed His will. It is man’s responsibility to examine the scriptures to determine what God meant, not what we want for Him to have said.
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Mining the Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus taught as “one having authority” in contrast to the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught the people from the law, making their appeal based upon Moses or the prophets. However, Jesus’ teaching was different. Consider His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). Again and again He made clear, “You have heard… but I say unto you…” Such authoritative statements amazed His audience.
The demons recognized the authority of Jesus. “I know who You are—the Holy One of God” (24). It is amazing how Jesus was rejected by so many in His day. While the demons recognized Him as God’s Son, often men did not.
However, early in His ministry He certainly had an impact upon those who heard Him. When Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, the authority with which He spoke led to the exorcism of the demon. This was new, and made clear the authoritative way in which Jesus spoke was legitimate. As such, “they were all amazed” (27).
It also gave Jesus notoriety. His words, together with His works made Him famous in the area. Such fame was a two edged sword. The people eagerly came to Him. The leaders felt threatened by Him.
Why Can’t We Understand the Bible?
People often ask the question above, as they struggle with the conflicting doctrines and practices that are found among religious people. The question is valid, though present day attitudes toward such diverse thoughts and practices are not.
Many in positions of authority talk as if such diversity is to be expected, and even inevitable. They contend that it is not possible to have unity in doctrine and practice. Some may contend that truth itself is relative. Your truth may not be the same as mine. Others claim that men are not capable of understanding God’s revelation. And some say that God’s revelation is not sufficiently clear in all areas to be understood. Continue reading “Why Can’t We Understand the Bible?”
Five Questions About Christmas
On Thursday I was given the honor of participating in a video program that is being produced and hosted by Samuel Omaka, a preacher in Nigeria and friend of Kyle Campbell. Samuel sent me five questions, which I share below. I hope the material answers some questions you may have.
What is Christmas?
The simple definition is that it is a festival, observed each year on December 25th, intended to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is observed by billions of people the world over, many religiously. However, many secular people and even some who claim to know Christ, do not celebrate it religiously. They may, however, use it as a time to be with family, eat together and exchange gifts.
The Jerusalem Summit Meeting
In Acts 15, the Holy Spirit reveals the first major doctrinal conflict that troubled God’s people. The question to be answered was, “Do you have to be circumcised according to the custom of Moses to be saved?” The conflict came about because of the missionary work of Paul and Barnabas, which was opposed by some from Judea who claimed that such circumcision had to take place. In other words, one had to become a Jewish proselyte to be saved.
The disagreement reached a head at Antioch, and it was determined that Paul and Barnabas should go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders about the question, which they did.
Fall 2022 Meeting with Kyle Campbell
Our Fall Meeting, 2022 with Kyle Campbell, November 5, 2002. A series of fundamental lessons answering fundamental questions.
The theme: “Can you show”
Lesson 1: Can You Show That There is a God? (Saturday)
Lesson 2: Can You Show that the Bible is the Word of God? (Sunday 9AM)
Lesson 3: Can You Show that Jesus Rose from the Dead? (Sunday 10AM)
Lesson 4: Can You Show What the Bible Says? (Sunday 11AM)
Lesson 5: Can You Show That the Bible Can be Understood? (Monday)
Lesson 6: Can You Show How We are Saved? (Tuesday)
Lesson 7: Can You Show What Worship Is? (Wednesday 10AM)
Lesson 8: Can You Show What the Church Does? (Wednesday PM)
Lesson 9: Can You Show That Chrisitans are Moral People (Thursday)
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Sermon: The Authority of Christ
In this lesson, the premise that all authority resides in the Lord Jesus is affirmed.
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Sermon: God’s Covenant with Abraham
First in a series of lessons dealing with principles of Authority. God’s covenant with Abraham establishes the promises God made an fulfilled, ending with the establishment of Jesus Christ as Lord and Christ. (Note: The video consists only of the slides and audio. Video of the speaker was not available).
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