Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Authority
Subject: Authority
Gave Him to be Head
“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Our text is an important one in establishing the authority of Jesus Christ. The idea of headship indicates that in all things Christ reigns supreme over His church. This position of authority was given Him by His heavenly Father.
Christ’s authority is not found only in the church. As verse 21 indicates, He is preeminent over all. “Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”
Finally, as we take the beginning at the end, Christ is reigning on His throne over His kingdom. That is the nature of His authority. God “raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (20).
I say it often, but too many show themselves willing to accept Jesus as their Savior, but not as their Lord! Paul called Him the “blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). May we all respect the headship of Christ both as His church collectively, and individually as His subjects in His kingdom!
Sermon: The Divine Hermeneutic
The Bible is inspired of God. As such we know that the acceptance of various conflicting interpretations of scripture to be absurd. The truth of God is both objective and obtainable as we study the Bible. This lesson gives insight into the process of interpreting God’s Word.
Audio
PPTX (Right Click to SAVE)
YouTube Video of Sermon
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The First Serious Issue in the Church
A discussion of the question whether Gentiles should be allowed in the Messianic Kingdom (Acts 10, 14, 15)
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The Litmus Test of Discipleship
You are familiar with Jesus’ words to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…” (John 8:31-32). These words create what amounts to a litmus test to establish discipleship.
Let’s define a couple of terms. The first is litmus test. It is “a test for acidity or alkalinity using litmus.” Litmus is a dye that is added to paper, that when touched by acidic liquid turns red, and when touched by alkaline liquid turns blue. It is completely reliable and definitive. As such, the phrase “litmus test” has come to mean a test that decisively indicates a particular nature. Continue reading “The Litmus Test of Discipleship”
A Wise Saying
In Proverbs 22, a section of scripture begins which is headed in the NKJV Bible, “Sayings of the Wise.” While this heading is given by men rather than inspiration, it is certainly applicable to the passages which follow. An example:
“Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28)
A landmark is a boundary. It is used to determine the limits of property. Here it is used to express the importance of respecting boundaries. In ancient times, this was the only way of authoritatively establishing ownership. In other words, removing or relocating a boundary that had been long established was tantamount to robbery! A similar prohibition can be seen at Deuteronomy 19:14.
Our application? God’s word. God has established, in olden times, the boundary of right and wrong. Today our tendency is to remove that ancient landmark to satisfy our own desires and whims. Just like any effort to move a boundary to gain advantage, altering or ignoring God’s word is disrespectful, devious and plain wrong.
It’s fine for the worldly to be progressive, and ancient teachings are not always the best way to go in modern culture. That is, if they are written by men. But, the Bible is God’s word. It is timeless! It must be respected!
Sermon: Transporting the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 13,15)
When David determined to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he first disregarded the “proper order” but later acknowledged his error as the Ark was brought by the Levites into the city.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Meditations on God’s Laws
A wonderful passage of scripture, Psalm 119:97-104 is discussed, showing the benefits of immersing yourself in God’s law, and proper attitude of the disciple.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Talking about Covenants
There are some terms that are used in scripture to explain how God’s authority works, and how it affects the Old and New Testaments.
In the NKJV of the bible, there are three primary words that are used to describe what these are. They are the words testament, covenant and will. Let’s define each.
In Galatians 3:17 Paul wrote, “And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.” The word covenant (diatheke) is a term with legal ramifications, defined by Thayer as “a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid…especially the last disposal which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will.” Continue reading “Talking about Covenants”
Sermon: King, Rod, Priest, Judge (Psalm 110)
A discussion of Psalm 110, the Psalmist identifies the coming Christ as one who would serve as both King and Priest, and rule with a rod (indicating authority and strength).
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: False Prophets
A study of Jeremiah 23 that seeks to answer two questions: 1) What is a false prophet; 2) How much damage can be done by a false prophet.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: The One Question
An exchange by Jesus with the Jews in Mark 11:27-33 supplies for us some very important truths about Bible authority, and the only legitimate source for our faith!
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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All in the Name of the Lord Jesus
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
Regarding our obligation (rather than our blessings) and our stewardship this is what it is all about. Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Paul got it, too many religious people today do not.
Two points to make here. First, our entire purpose in life, “whatever we do in word or deed” is to be done because of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Religion is not an avocation, it is our job! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Second, we have to do it Jesus’ way, not our own. That is what the phrase “in the name of the Lord” means! (cf. Matthew 7:20-21). The one accepted by God is the one who “does the will of My Father in heaven.” This means it is not sufficient to “be sincere.” It means that serving God in a way that suits us, or going to a denomination that fits our lifestyles or preferences, is not legitimate.
We have a responsibility to Jesus to serve Him in His way, to do His bidding!
Sermon: Dan – A History of Idolatry
(Judges 18)Â Our discussion of Judges 18 shows that the northern city of Dan was founded in idolatrous practices, and remained idolatrous throughout her history. The sins of Idolatry and Anarchy are discussed.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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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”
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.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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