Recent Articles and Sermons
Seven Sons of Sceva
There are many passages of scripture that tangentially teach principles of authority, even though the primary purpose of the text may concern something entirely different.
In Acts 19, we are told of the miracles that Paul did, powerful miracles that included healings and exorcisms. We are told that even pieces of clothing, aprons or handkerchiefs, that had touched Paul’s body, were brought to the sick and healed them (12). Such power was effective in proving Paul’s authority was from God, and caused many at Ephesus to believe in Jesus. We are told, “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (20). Continue reading “Seven Sons of Sceva”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 John 2:12-14
There are several ways to explain the text. The most simple is to consider that John is writing to three groups of Christians, little children, young men, and fathers. It is not dogmatic, but Barnes suggests years to approximate 20 & below, 20-40, & above 40.
The little children (note, there are two different words translated in this way in 12a and 13b which may or may not have any significance), are told by John he writing was “because your sins are forgiven you” and “because you have known the Father.” John was certainly writing to young Christians to mature them in faith.
Young men, “because you have overcome the wicked one,” and “because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” This indicates valiant and strong Christians, who receive strength from John’s words.
Fathers, “because you have known Him who is from the beginning.” This is repeated twice, a confirmation of their long held faith, close acquaintance, and trust in God the Father.
Continuing in Sin
It is sad that a statement by Paul “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that race may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2), should need explanation and defense. And yet, because of error and the current cultural climate, it certainly does.
Paul taught salvation by grace, which just about every religious person believes. He taught that sin precludes any individual being saved by perfect obedience, which just about every religious person accepts as a true statement. Here he taught that continuing to sin after being saved by grace was unacceptable. This truth, which is clearly stated, can’t be accepted by individuals who believe the Calvinistic precept of the Perseverance of the Saints, colloquially known as “Once saved always saved.” Continue reading “Continuing in Sin”
Sermon: Complaining
Our discussion on Complaining does not question whether it is sinful, but whether any particular expression is an example of complaining. It takes discernment to know!
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Sermon: Live from the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14)
In 1 Corinthians 9:14 the apostle indicated God’s intent that the preacher of the gospel should be materially supported while doing his work. The principle is examined here.
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Sermon: God Approved Zeal
Zeal is an important and approved aspect of being a disciple of Christ. But only if that zeal is directed by God rather than man himself.
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Sermon: The Prosperity of the Wicked (Psalm 73)
The Psalm reveals that our perception that the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper is not accurate. Ultimately, the wicked will suffer God’s wrath as the righteous are rewarded.
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Praise Or Flattery?
Consider Romans 16:17-18:
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Paul here describes insidious actions by Christians. They are insidious for two reasons. The first is that these actions are self-serving, and thus sinful. Those who engage in these behaviors have ulterior motives. They do not serve Jesus, but rather their own belly. They are doing what they do because it serves their purpose. It is not to please Christ, to edify, to build up. It is to accomplish their own desires, whatever those desires may be. Continue reading “Praise Or Flattery?”
The Platform of Unity
Ephesians 4:1-6 describes a basis for our unity as Christians. Jesus prayed for His followers to be unified in John 17. Paul relates that desire of our Lord by writing, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called… endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1,3). He indicatesa the way that unity can be attained, by lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering and love (2). But, the unity is not merely a “getting along”! It is something that has a basis, a standard that all adhere to. Unity would not be obtainable without this commonality. Verses 4-6 describe that standard. Continue reading “The Platform of Unity”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Peter 2:12-14
Here Peter begins describing the false teachers about which he is warning his readers. First, Peter expresses disdain about their nature, comparing them to wild (and irrational) animals whose purpose is only to be caught and destroyed. Second, their actions are based on ignorance, criticizing and demeaning when they have no real knowledge of a matter. He argues that such actions will eventually be the cause of their own ruin, “will utterly perish in their own corruption” (12).
Third, their evil actions will receive “the wages of unrighteousness” (13). As Paul noted, the “wages of sin” is spiritual death (cf. Romans 6:23). Fourth, they are stains, “spots and blemishes” that sully what otherwise should be pure and white “with you” (13).
Fifth, they are unfaithful, here described as having “eyes of adultery.” They not only continually sin, but are guilty of “enticing” others. Sixth, and finally, they are covetous (greedy desire).
Esteem Others Better Than Himself
The apostle Paul gives some very helpful instruction and insight on how Christians should get along with Christians in Philippians 2. It basically is a call for every child of God to be humble. Humility impacts our decisions and actions toward others. But, it should be true humility! Consider verses 3 and 4. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
The phrase, “let each esteem others better than himself” is an interesting one. First, the word esteem is used to indicate authority or control. One who is esteemed is a leader, one who is in control or important. In our context it is relative to how we view ourselves. We do not consider ourselves as important as our brother in Christ. He is more important than us. So, our motivation is not self, but what is best for our brother. If all Christians acted in this way, most of the issues that cause division would not exist.
This is seen in the phrase “better than self”, indicating that in our eyes, our brother is more important or superior. And, in the verse to follow, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:4).
Sermon: Please Inquire for the Word of the Lord
We discuss Jehoshaphat’s inquiry of God’s will in 1 Kings 22 before going to war with his ally, king Ahab of Israel. Applications are made to today, with the proper appeal to God’s authority and will.
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Sermon: The Great Commission
A study of Matthew 28, detailing Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to go into the world and MAKE disciples.
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Sin Leading to Death
“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).
Many articles have been written and sermons preached about the destructive nature of sin. It seems that the concept is accepted by other religions too. On Facebook the other day I came across a quote of Mahatma Ghandhi. Ghandi was Hindu, well known, a political activist and successful leader in accomplishing India’s independence from British rule. The title of the meme attributed to him, is “7 blunders of the world that lead to violence.” Though the language of “sin” is not contained in the meme, the points mirror what is taught in the word of God. Consider the following: Continue reading “Sin Leading to Death”
