Author: Stan Cox
Inspiration
Consider carefully what the Bible says about itself: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Inspiration — The term inspiration (theopneustos)means divinely breathed. Since all scripture is divinely breathed, it is a plenary (complete) inspiration. None of this is merely the words of men. In every sense these are the words of God. (cf. 2 Peter 1:19-21).
Efficacy — A study of scripture is beneficial in every area. What do we stand for? Our Doctrine? What do we use to convince others of God and His nature? Our means of Reproof? How do we get people off the wrong path? Our Correction? How to we grow and mature Christians? What is our means of Instruction in Righteousness? It is scripture for all these. It is all we need!
Maturity — Scripture is all we need to become all God wants us to be. Perfection (artios) means fitted or completed. God’s word suits us, and is everything we need to be what God wants us to be! We are “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Rather than making the mistake of establishing our own righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), we have knowledge of the righteousness of God!
Sermon: Dealing with Distractions
In our distraction filled society, the Christian needs to be sure not to be distracted from serving God. Four items are discussed: Morality, Attendance, Worship and Study.
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Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Paul noted here that the gospel of Christ caused him to suffer, as the world considered Paul an “evildoer” because of his teacher. Regardless, Paul was willing to suffer, knowing that the word of God could not be stopped by the efforts of men: “but the word of God is not chained” (9).
So for the sake of those who would respond in faith to his preaching, “the elect”, Paul endured his suffering. He wrote to the Romans, “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Roman also” (Romans 1:15). As a result, Paul was responsible for the salvation of many.
Verses 11-13 contain what Paul referred to as a faithful saying. This is not a quotation from scripture, it may have been lyrics from an early hymn. Whatever the origin, as Paul states, the words are true. Essentially, God can only be Himself. He cannot lie. Therefore, all of the promises He has made to man regarding faithfulness and reward are true promises and will be accomplished!
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16-17).
The Bible affirms truth in several places. Another is John 1:1-3. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made” (3).
It reminds me of the old joke about the scientist, who claimed he could create life, just like God. So, he got all prepared, and reached down for some dirt. God said to him, “Get your own dirt!”
God alone is our Creator. The scripture reveals that God the Son spoke our universe, every bit of it, into existence. In this was He was the “firstborn over all creation.” This doesn’t mean that He was the first one created, but He is the one from which all creation springs. “And without Him nothing was made that was made.”
Our Savior is not merely a man among other men. He is as far removed from others as we are to an ant. Even farther removed. Jesus is the Son of God. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Sermon: The Christian
A two part lesson on the Christian, and his responsibility toward God considering our culture, country, and politics.
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Sermon: The Suffering of Christ
Speaker: Justin Carrell. A discussion of how Jesus can empathize with us, as a man. He suffered greatly on the cross. Justin discusses that suffering that we remember as we observe His supper.
Sermon: We Need Friends!
A discussion of Ecclesiastes 4 that shows the vanity of a life lived without the benefit of friends and family. Jesus is the Christian’s ultimate friend!
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Sermon: What is the Church?
A contrast is made with societal views of the church, and what the Bible reveals concerning it.
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Sermon: Water to Wine (John 2:1-11)
A discussion of Jesus’ miracle, turning water into wine in John 2:1-11. We discuss the miracle, the conversation between Jesus and His mother, and the purpose of the signs Jesus performed.
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Why I Am a Christian
There are many reasons men give for not being believers in God. In this lesson, reasons are given to serve God and His Son Jesus.
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Sermon: “Nots” in the Devil’s “Tale” (John 8:43-47)
The devil is a liar. Many of his lies include “nots”. Let us not be deceived by them.
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Sermon: Pendulums
Every Christian needs to carefully examine their own tendencies in the moment, to determine whether they are at one extreme or another in any particular tendency, to ensure they are where God wants them to be. Guest Preacher: Justin Carrell
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Sermon: Honey and the Honeycomb (Psalm 19:9-10)
A discussion of the use of the terms honey and honeycomb in scripture, especially their metaphorical use to consider what his valuable, sweet and beneficial.
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Sermon: Jesus Christ’s Institution of His Supper
A discussion of Luke 22, one of the accounts of Jesus establishing His own memorial supper. The setting of the Passover, the emblems and their purpose are all talked about, and we are told what is expected of the faithful Christian.
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Sermon: Emotions and Emotionalism
A discussion of the legitimate place of emotions in our response to Christ and His mercy, as well as His expectations of us. A warning about letting emotions become our standard rather than God’s word is sounded.
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