Category: Authority

The Bible clearly reveals that it is a sin to entertain bitterness in our hearts as children of God. Consider the following passages:

(Ephesians 4:31), “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”

(Hebrews 12:14-15), “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”

We see bitter and hateful words in the day’s political rhetoric, in Facebook comments and online discussions, and in the words that pass between men and women in the streets of our country.

It is fine for a child of God to hold a political opinion, to stand for what is right and to stand against what is wrong. It is sinful, however, for a child of God to descend to hatefulness and bitterness in tone, words or actions. There is no provocation or evil that is visited upon us by the ungodliness of men that can justify an unseasoned tongue or action from God’s people.

Please think of that before you pen or share your next post, or as you are talking around a cup of coffee in your local cafe. We are to be the salt of the earth. Remember, “if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13b).

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Mark records the preaching of Jesus in His home town of Nazareth in Mark 6. When the Sabbath day came, Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth to teach. So, His audience was made up of individuals who knew Him and His family. They knew him as “the carpenter, the Son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon” (vs. 3).

The text indicates they were astonished at Jesus’ teaching. However, such astonishment was not a good thing. They were incredulous. They could not believe that this man before them could legitimately be speaking with the authority of God. They exclaimed, “Where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!” (vs. 2).

Continue reading “The Preacher’s Authority” →

I am writing this short article while Debbie is driving on the highway between Diboll and Fort Worth. On Texas highways it is common for the speed limit to be 70-75 miles an hour. If you were to be driving in a residential area at that speed, it would be considered very reckless. If you were driving your car at 75 miles per hour, and had to weave in and around other cars going only 35-40 miles an hour, your perception of your own speed would probably scare you.

However, when everyone is going 75 or 80 miles an hour, (especially if you have been going that speed for quite a while), the perception is very different. It just doesn’t seem that fast! As a result, you have people who drive in an unsafe manner, despite the speed. They may tailgate, give insufficient space between cars when changing lanes, fail to use turn signals, etc. At 75 miles per hour!

Continue reading “The danger of false perceptions” →

Sermon 7 of 9 by Carl Allen.

The lesson deals with 1 Corinthians 11 and 14, as well as 1 Timothy 2, as brother Allen discusses the regulations regarding a woman’s role in the church.

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Sermon 6 of 9 by Carl Allen.

This study demonstrates from the New Testament scriptures that the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 comes through Jesus Christ. All who believe in Him, both Jew and Gentile, are a part of that fulfilled promise.

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Internet memes are often a product of shallow thinking, which can be seen in their vapid glibness. Even if a kernel of truth can be gleaned, generally a matter is too complex to be resolved in a single sentence. (Perhaps that is why U.S. politics are so fouled up, with candidates vying for a single “moment” to connect with the electorate. Issues are irrelevant, only surface appearance and glibness matters).

I did come across one meme today, however, that deserves some scrutiny. It said:

“But, I think…

“It doesn’t matter what you think! If it doesn’t match up with the Bible, you are wrong!

“…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4).”

The sentiment is entirely valid, as it seeks to get across the point that God’s word is truth. If a man’s opinions do not jibe with God’s revelation, the man is wrong.

And, this is often the case. Typically, worldly views contradict God’s word. Even those who call themselves Christians often ally themselves with the opinions of man rather than God’s revelation.

However, in one sense it does matter what you think! In fact, the eternal state of your soul depends upon you aligning your views with those of God.

Romans 3 indicates that a man’s belief or unbelief in God and His word is irrelevant to whether it is true. It is, however, relevant to our standing with Him.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

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Sermon 5 of 9 by Carl Allen.

In this lesson, brother Allen demonstrates that the law of Moses is no longer authoritative, and that instead, we are called to obey the law of Christ (cf. Galatians 6:2).

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Sermon 4 of 9 by Carl Allen.

This lesson examines what the Bible teaches about Christian worship, establishing three truths intimiated in John 4:24:

1. God is the sole object of worship.
2. Worship must be according to truth.
3. Our attitude or spirit must be acceptable.

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In the introduction to Robert Shank’s book, Life in the Son, William Adams wrote:

“Some will consider that ‘unity’ is more important than truth and that, right or wrong, conformity to tradition and popular opinion is the only wise course. Men so easily become enslaved by a vested interest in the status quo, and many will refuse to venture the risk of honestly searching for truth at the possible expense of comfort.”

His words were a response to Shank’s view of the possibility of apostasy. Though he personally believed Calvin’s doctrine concerning the perseverance of the saints, he was impressed by Shank’s arguments.

He states a valid truth. Many times people believe as they do because “everyone else does,” or because “that is what we’ve always taught!” To such people, Bible teaching that contradicts their traditions is to be rejected simply because it differs from what they hold as precious.

There is no conflict between the unity called for in the Bible, and the pursuit of truth. In fact, True unity can be obtained only as we embrace the truth. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians to “all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

May we be fair-minded as the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

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Saul’s encounter with Jesus in Acts 9, and the events that followed are discussed in this lesson.

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Powerpoint Slides

The term in the title “diss” is common slang in our time. It is a shortened form for the word disrespect. In this article, I’m less concerned with the mongrelization of the English language, and more concerned about the disrespect so many show to the Almighty.

Interestingly, men have always been, and are especially now, sensitive to others showing disrespect for them. It is insulting, and has led not only to arguments and fisticuffs, but even to national wars! When a fight between two teenagers is broken up, the reason for the spat is commonly stated: “He dissed me!”

While we may be sensitive to others showing a lack of respect for us, we often lack awareness of how our actions can “diss” God! In Leviticus 10:1, Nadab and Abihu, priests of God and sons of Aaron, offered profane (unauthorized) fire before God in the burning of incense. What was God’s response? “So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord” (vs. 2).

What was God’s motivation for killing them? They “dissed” Him! God said, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (vs. 3).

Next time you think about doing your own thing, just assuming that God will approve of your willfulness, you had better think twice. You don’t want to diss God!

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The Bible reveals discord and division to be sinful. When the Corinthians showed themselves to be divided, Paul wrote, “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3).

There are two ways to avoid discord. The first is commonly practiced by religious groups today. It is through compromise, setting aside doctrinal disagreements in order to get along. This is a tenet of those denominations that count themselves part of the ecumenical movement, a movement dedicated to “universal Christian unity” based on an acceptance of diverse beliefs and practices.

The second way is the Biblical philosophy of unity, based on mutual acceptance of the divine standard, the truth of God’s word. This way is identified clearly in Jesus’ prayer to God, recorded in John 17:20-21, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Our unity must mirror the unity of Jesus and His Father. Jesus stated clearly in John 5:30, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.”

As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1:10). This unity in speech, thought and judgment can come only when all agree with and submit to the will of God.

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I am sure some who read this would object to the question. They might first object to any question of his humility as absurd. It has, after all, been his most commonly acknowledged attribute, proclaimed by the media which has covered each of his appearances in America. Others might object to the idea we might “judge” the heart of another. Who are we to deem the Pope as being anything other than what he “appears” or “claims” to be.

Of course, the judging of hearts is not appropriate. And, I freely admit that despite the adulation supplied him, his cloistered lifestyle, and his privileged existence, he continues to speak to and show compassion toward those who are poor and destitute.

Continue reading “In the News: Is the Pope Humble?” →

The apostle Peter proclaimed at the climax of his sermon on Pentecost, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Unanimously, those who purport faith in Jesus trumpet Him as their Christ. He is the anointed of God, the Savior of mankind. They claim a “personal relationship” with Him, and give Him credit for securing the forgiveness of their sins, and their relationship with God the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6), and they believe it.

Much less common is the willingness to accept the Lordship of Jesus. The greek word translated “Lord” (kurios) denotes authority. The question Jesus asked of His listeners 2000 years ago is relevant today, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Many who claim Jesus to be the anointed of God routinely disregard His will for them in matters of worship, work, morality and relationships. In so doing, they show their claim that Jesus is their personal Savior is fraudulent.

Simply put, you can’t accept Jesus as your Christ unless you accept Him as your Lord! Do His will!

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A few weeks ago I came across a website for a “Cowboy church” in the metroplex which trumpeted that they were “A church for people who don’t like church!” It is an interesting phrase. An internet search shows it to also be a popular one, being adopted by different groups who want to reach out to the lost by inappropriately accommodating their discomfort with the practice of religion.

Note this quote from VERVE, a non-denominational church in Las Vegas, NV:

“But the reality is that there are a lot of people who are looking for God and seeking a spiritual dimension to life, but just don’t want to go to church to find it.

And who can blame them? Most churches seem judgmental and holier than thou. They make you wear your Sunday best, play music from the 1800s, and are too into politics. And they seem to care more about people’s money than people.”

Continue reading “A church for people who don’t like church?” →