Category: Apostasy

Wayne Goforth emphasizes the importance of steadfastness with regard to doctrine and scriptural attitudes. He explains why digression has happened in the past, and warns of present indications of such digression repeating.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin uses Hebrews 5:12-ff to point out the sadness of a Christian life that is marred by apathy. He uses this as a call to conviction and committment as the invitation is offered.

Audio: Click Here .

The Christian Chronicle is a newspaper that reports on events and activities among institutional churches of Christ. Though it claims not to be, it is also an instrument of digression, often reporting favorably or editorializing upon practices and doctrine without Biblical authority.

One example of this is the editorial in the September 2010 edition of the paper, titled “Church camp: An idea worth exploring” (page 30). The editorial relates the large number of letters that had come in, in response to a the Chronicle’s request that readers share their “favorite church camp memories.”

Continue reading “In the News: Church Camp?” →

These are 13 actual questions asked by a Baptist church preacher. His name is David Martin, and he is referred to as the “Pastor” of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, in Bartlett, TN.

The questions appeared in an article written by Martin, entitled, “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher CANNOT Clearly Answer.” To view the article click here. (Note: This link only gets you to their home page. You will have to look for the article. The site uses frames, and does not allow for a direct link to the article).

While it is doubtful we could answer these questions to his satisfaction, these questions are similar to those commonly asked of us by those in the denominations.

We should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15).

An examination of these questions will challenge us to study; and will doubtless increase our faith. The design of the series is to elicit discussion and encourage home study.

Right click on each item to save it to your hard drive. Resources include Word Documents, PDF Files, and Audio files in the mp3 format.

(Note:  We had some problems with our recording system during the series, and missed several lessons, so not all the audio is available.  We apologize for this).
Suggestions for Study (Word)
Suggestions for Study (PDF) Continue reading “Class Series – 13 Questions” →

An exegetical sermon based on the text of Galatians 5:1-6. An explanation of the covenant of circumcision is given, with special emphasis on its value to the Christian. Also, as the language of the text indicates the possibility of a Christian falling into apostasy, that subject is discussed as well.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Calvinistic doctrine of salvation by Faith only is commonly being expressed in our time in the Phrase, “Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone” The phrase intimates not only that obedience is not required of man, but also the impossibility of Apostasy.

It also contradicts plain teaching in Hebrews 11 & 12, and James 2, the texts under consideration in this lesson.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Last week a letter came in the mail, addressed to our congregation, from a group called “New Testament Church … Today.” The writer of the letter, Howard W. Norton, identified himself as the Chairman of the “Planning Committee.”

This organization describes itself in the letter as “a group of concerned Christians” meeting to “plan a Biblically-based search for the truth of God’s plan.” They call their efforts a “desire to educate congregations and Christians”, and the “touchstone” of their emphasis is the present “softening of a cappella singing in worship” that is happening in some of the more liberal churches of Christ. Notice the following paragraph:

Continue reading “In The News: Does the End Justifiy the Means?” →

2 Timothy 2:20-21 and the surrounding context reveals that the Christian’s spiritual welfare depends upon their diligence in serving him. The difference between vessels of honor and dishonor is the willingness of said vessel to sanctify themselves to God’s service.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Since we have waited until the meeting was over to upload the sermon files, I am going to include all five sermons by brother Scott Gilmore in a single post. Note: At this time the powerpoint files are not available, but will be uploaded in a few days.

Saturday Night: 11/3
Reason and Reading: Brother Gilmore emphasized the necessity of Bible study and the use of reason to establish authority for our religious practices. This is a fine lesson on the subject of authority.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday Morning Class: 11/4
Miracles: The Bible class was an interesting discussion of Bible miracles. The miracles and their purpose were examined.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday Morning Worship: 11/4
Does Faith Move?: In this lesson brother Gilmore contrasts the false doctrine of “Faith Only” with the Bible teaching of an active faith leading to obedience to God.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday Evening Worship: 11/4
Repentance: Brother Gilmore turns to the scriptures for a discussion of repentance, as required by God for salvation.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Tuesday Evening Worship: 11/6
Dangers Facing the Church: Brother Gilmore shows from the scriptures the dangers facing God’s people today due to improper attitudes toward the preaching and teaching of God’s word.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer attempts to reconcile the seemingly contradictory beliefs of God’s sovereignty and man’s free will:

“An ocean liner leaves New York bound for Liverpool. Its destination has been determined by proper authorities. Nothing can change it. This is at least a faint picture of sovereignty.

“On board the liner are scores of passengers. These are not in chains, neither are their activities determined for them by decree. They are completely free to move about as they will. They eat, sleep, play, lounge about on the deck, read, talk, altogether as they please; but all the while the great liner is carrying them steadily onward toward a predetermined port.

“Both freedom and sovereignty are present here, and they do not contradict. So it is, I believe, with man’s freedom and the sovereignty of God. The mighty liner of God’s sovereign design keeps its steady course over the sea of history.”

Douglas G. Gerrard

The illustration above is relatively accurate, though limited as illustrations always are. It is true that God’s sovereignty has predetermined the victory of righteousness over evil.

It is equally true that God has granted each man free will in his life. However, there is one thing that is not noted in the story. It is possible, first, for a man to choose not to board the ship, and then for a man to jump off the ship, of his own free will, thus not reaching the destination! (cf. Mark 16:16; 2 Peter 2:21-22).

The aim of the Restoration Movement was the attaining of truth. Those who know and apply the truth are able to be Christians identical to those in the New Testament. Truth is knowable, and the restoration of the Lord’s church is immanently attainable.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

False teachers and others who would influence you to sin can take your crown from you (cf. Revelation 3:11), but only if you let them.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Bill Crews’ sermon documents the tendency of man to choose to sin. Using the history of the Jews, as well as New Testament and modern digressions and sin in the church, he points out the need to be on guard against apostasy.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Bill Crews’ sermon asks the question, Does God see what He should see when he looks down upon his creation? (cf. Genesis 1:31). More to the point, does God see what He should see when he looks at me?

Sermon Audio: Click Here .