Author: Stan Cox
Sermon: How Can Christians Stand Out from the World?
Christians should stand out, and be considered peculiar to the world. How can we obtain such a reputation? Speaker: Ian Tilley
Sermon: Lessons from Joel
There are good lessons to be learned from the life and ministry of the prophet Joel. Speaker: Justin Carrell
Sermon: Shepherds Who Scatter
A discussion of Jeremiah 23, with a call for leadership with integrity, and we emulate Jesus Christ.
Sermon: Be Like Daniel!
Daniel was a man of purpose, purity, principle and prayer. We would do well to emulate him.
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Sermon: Doctrines of Demons
A discussion of the apostasy mentioned by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:1-11 with special emphasis on those who forbid to marry and command abstinence from meat.
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Peter 2:1-3
There were false prophets in Israel, and Peter promised that false teachers would exist in the church. What is the difference between a false prophet and a false teacher? In reality, nothing at all. A prophet is one inspired of God. A false prophet may claim to be inspired, but his message is his own. A preacher of truth is not inspired, but speaks in accord with inspiration. A false teacher claims to preach truth, but his message is his own. Such men may evidence characteristics that are worldly and evil, but they are known by their fruit (their doctrine, cf. Matthew 7:15-20), which does not accord with righteousness.
Peter warns about such men because some would follow their teaching, contradicting truth. They would exploit Christians, convincing some that their message was from God when it was not.
It is obvious that such men will come into judgment. However, their doctrines destroy those who follow them as well. This is why Peter warns of them, and why we must as well.
For the Profit of All
In the first century spiritual gifts were common. Paul wrote at length to the Corinthians regarding the practice of these gifts. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
It was necessary that he make this point, that all might understand how to utilize the gift given specifically to them. Some were given “the word of wisdom”, others “the word of knowledge”, or “faith”, or “gifts of healings”, “miracles”, “prophecy”, “discerning of spirits”, “different kinds of tongues”, and “interpretations of tongues” (12:7-10). Regardless of the actual gift, the intent was emphasized again in verse 11, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
Our Warfare
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).
How many wars have been fought in the name of God? In the new covenant ratified with the blood of Jesus Christ, the concept of warfare changed. It has nothing to do with swords, chariots, horses, or bullets, missiles and ships. What does that mean? It means that the eight crusades, battles fought between the Catholics and Muslims from 1096 — 1291 were misguided. The Kingdom of Christ had no possessions or land to guard or reclaim.
It means that Medieval Catholic tortures as a part of the Inquisition, and the conversions at sword point of the indigenous population in the Americas were likewise egregious examples of the corruption of the Christian faith.
Our method of battle is persuasive. It is the casting down of arguments, not the blowing up of city walls. Our purpose to save is accomplished through the gospel, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).
All accounts will be settled in judgment. Rewards and punishments will occur after our time on earth is over (2 Peter 3:14), with Christ as our judge (Romans 14:10-12).
The Christian Life
Speaker: Ian Tilley. A discussion of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 giving practical advice on what God requires of the Christian as he lives his life.
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:6-9
In the previous verses, Peter referred to the inheritance that awaits all the faithful. It is reserved in heaven (4), and is eternal in nature (5). In our text, he notes this is a reason for rejoicing though our lives at present may be difficult.
It is a fact that life here on earth may be difficult for every human. Christians are not excepted. Rain falls on “the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). These trials serve a specific purpose for the child of God. The establish the genuineness of his faith.
Is your faith in Jesus true? You have never seen Him. Do you truly love Him? The hope that is proclaimed, an eternity in Heaven in the presence of God, is contained in a future promise. Do you believe it? The proof is seen in how you conduct yourself as you live here on this earth. Trials and tribulations on earth serve the same purpose as fire does to the purification of metal. If you prove yourself by the life you live on earth you will receive “the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (9).
John 46: I Have Overcome the World
(John 16:25-33), “Jesus speaks plainly to his disciples, telling them that he was leaving the world to return to God. But, he left them with cheer, in the knowledge that He was victorious over the worl
Divine Implication
Another lesson in our series on Principles of Authority. God authorizes and establishes truth through implication. The principle is explained.
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The Depraved Mind
In the beginning of his letter to the Romans, Paul described a culture that had forgotten God. They no longer glorified Him, had darkened hearts, and so were given up to uncleanness by the Creator.
This purposeful rebellion and its descent into ignorance led men to engage in despicable behavior. Paul especially noted the depraved nature of their sexual appetites. They dishonored their “bodies among themselves” (1:24) through homosexual acts. Paul described it as “vile passions” (1:26). “For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (1:26-27).
