Month: July 2010

The above title is that of a book written by Robert L. McDonald. He wrote this exposé of the Masonic Lodge in 1974, having diligently researched a number of authoritative Masonic works written by 32 and 33 degree Masons such as Albert Pike and Albert G. Mackey.

It is interesting that most of the Masons brother McDonald talked with were ignorant of or disagreed with the things he uncovered. This is evident from the following quote, from page 10 of his book:

“As we read from these Masonic authorities, I want to make it very clear that I am not charging all Masons with believing what is found in these authentic books. Most Masons, with whom I have talked for any length of time, inform me they do not believe some particular point as covered in the documented material.”

(Masonry and the Christian, page 10)

However, brother McDonald made an important point in the same paragraph:

Because one is a Mason and happens to be uninformed about a particular point of Masonry, it doesn’t mean that such is not propagated in Masonry.

(ibid.)

Continue reading “Masonry and the Christian” →

John 1:6-13

John the Baptist’s ministry is here described by the apostle as a “witness.” This agrees with other descriptions of John. He was revealed in prophecy as the one who would “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3). His purpose was to introduce the world to “one who is coming after,” (cf. Matthew 3:11), the savior of the world.

John here describes that One as the “true light which gives light to every man” (vs. 9). In that phrase is an understanding of Christ as Lord and Savior. It is His will that gives man understanding, and His incarnation and sacrifice that brings man out of the darkness of sin and “into His marvelous light” (cf. 1 Peter 2:9).

Not all embrace Jesus as the Light. Though He made the world, he was not known or received by many in the world. Only those described here as having been born of God, or having received Him are identified as children of God. The idea is echoed in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3-5. Consider carefully His words, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (3:3).

NEW YORK – Anne Rice has had a religious conversion: She’s no longer a Christian.

“In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control,” the author wrote Wednesday on her Facebook page. “In the name of … Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen.”

Rice, 68, is best known for “Interview With a Vampire” and other gothic novels. Raised as a Catholic, she had rejected the church early in her life but renewed her faith in recent years and in 2008 released the memoir “Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession.”

Hillel Italie
Associated Press

Continue reading “In the News: Queen of Vampires No Longer a Christian” →

Last Thursday I was reading an article in the July 2009 issue of Science News Magazine, titled Microswimmers Make a Splash. The article pointed out that very small bacteria have novel ways of moving in water, required because the relative viscosity of the water is much greater for them than for larger organisms. While talking about a particular bacterium, spiroplasma, Greg Huber, a physicist at the University of Connecticut, said:

“What we find is that, just from those constraints alone, the optimal one (method of locomotion) is coincidentally the one nature found! Is that coincidence, or is that evolution?”

It is interesting that scientists use a supercomputer to run simulations in an attempt to find the best method for locomotion, and find that it is actually in use in nature. Though it takes a “supercomputer” to ascertain what that form of locomotion is, the only two explanations this physicist considers for its presence in nature have as their absurd common denominator — blind chance.

In reality, it is as the apostle Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world His attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). God is obviously behind this design, whether man admits it or not!

After some delay, all eight sermons preached by Micky Galloway during his April 2010 meeting are now available online. These can be accessed in this post, or by going to the 2010 Sermons Archive page.

Sunday Morning Class: My People Love to Have it So

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday AM: The Soundness of God’s People

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday PM: The Promise

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Monday PM: Committment to Family

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Tuesday PM: A Marriage That Will Not Fail

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Wednesday AM: Jesus, The Master Teacher

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Wednesday PM: What God Expects of Us as a Family

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Thursday PM: Victory in Jesus

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

At the age of 18 years old, swimmer Kim Linehan held the world record in the women’s 1500 meter freestyle in 1981. A hard worker, Linehan had an extensive exercise regimen, and swam 7 to 12 miles every day. Once, when asked the hardest part of her workout, she said, “Getting in the water.” (as quoted in Reader’s Digest, June 1981).

There are many applications to draw from this illustration. For example, I find it to be true when writing. Either when writing for the bulletin, Watchman Magazine, or the newspaper, the most difficult part for me is getting started! In fact, I will often procrastinate, waiting for inspiration to strike, when I would be better served putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), and just start writing!

The same is true with regard to gaining a knowledge of God’s word. Most would like to become familiar with God’s will. They want the ability to quickly bring a passage to mind, or easily comprehend the writer’s intent in each book or epistle. But, the task seems daunting, unattainable.

But it is not! You may ask, what is the hardest part of gaining knowledge? The answer, “Opening the book!” Open it up, and begin reading. Pay attention, ask questions, be curious. It will take time, but once your Bible is open, you will never want to close it again. “When you read, you may understand…” (cf. Eph. 3:4).

The sermon examines the text of 1 John to explain the relationship the Christian sustains to error.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon discusses the truth, and exposes error being taught on the subject of Marriage, divorce and remarriage.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In the July 3rd issue of The Christian Chronicle, coverage was given to a recent “international symposium of sacred a cappella music, involv[-ing] members of Churches of Christ as well as Mennonites, Eastern Orthodox, Reformed Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Roman Catholics.”

The symposium was a sequel to a previous effort which took place in 2007. Concerning that event, the article notes “‘The Ascending Voice’ debuted at Pepperdine in 2007 — the brainchild of [Darryl] Tippens, who saw it as a way to celebrate and promote a cappella worship in a world of praise bands and recorded music.”

Continue reading “A Capella Singing” →

Luke 1:1-4

In Luke’s introductory comments to Theophilus, he acknowledges that others had written accounts of Jesus’ life and accomplishments. Matthew, Mark and John are the three we have included in the New Testament in addition to this effort by Luke.

His desire was to share these things with Theophilus, putting them in order, so that his friend could “know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (vs. 4)

There are two reasons we can trust in Luke’s account of Jesus’ life. The first is that he was an eyewitness, “having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first” (vs. 3).

The second is that Luke’s account is inspired of God. Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16).

The name Theophilus means, “lover of God.” In fact, all who love God can look to Luke’s gospel, and in it find accurate records of Jesus’ life, teaching, works, death and resurrection. In so doing, we can have confidence in the validity of that Gospel. We can know, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” (cf. 23:47).

I recently came across a survey on the internet, designed to ascertain what guys believe to be modest and immodest dress and behavior for girls. The survey is skewed by two things: 1) Respondents were primarily teenagers and young adult males; and, 2) Respondents were conservative in their religious views.

This bias is understandable, as the poll was designed unscientifically, and sponsored by a religious group called The Rebelution (1 Timothy 4:12, a teenage rebellion against low expectations).

The survey is subjective, asking guys whether they Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Are Neutral, Agree, or Strongly Agree with statements about issues of modesty for girls. The results are interesting, and young people are encouraged to visit the site with their parents. There will be ample opportunity for discussion as you read the results. The site URL is: www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/browse

Continue reading “In the News: Modesty Survey” →

Consider the following quote:

“For the postmodern and mystic, … words are only symbols for a subjective interpretation of and experience with the “Living Word.” (Randall Price, Searching for the Original Bible, page 27).

This quote accurately describes the attitude of the majority of religious people in our day. The Bible, while a comfort and precious object, has little bearing on their daily walk. Their view is that a relationship with Christ is sufficient, and that it can be obtained on their own terms.

But, in truth, our understanding of Christ, and our relationship with Him depends upon His written word. It is the “word of life” we are to be “holding fast” (cf Philippians 2:16). It is that which perfects a man (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It must be known and obeyed.

A sermon describing the dangers of the tongue, and how to control it.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

A discussion of the church.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon asks the questions: Are you regular in your attendance; do you demonstrate your love; are you an encouragement; are you dependable?

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .