Category: Authority
Subject: Authority
From the Preacher’s Pen: Through Men? Or From Jesus Christ?
“Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead)” (Galatians 1:1).
Paul’s defense of himself as an apostle of the Lord revolved around one point — that he had obtained the authority for his apostleship from Jesus Christ. That fact alone made his claim to apostleship legitimate. Conversely, if his claim had originated from men’s authority, it would not have been legitimate.
The same is true for us. Regarding our faith and practices, both individually and collectively, the only question that matters is, “Is it from man, or through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead?” If it is from God, then no other justification is needed for what we do. If it is from man, then no matter the justification we put forward, it is unacceptable to God.
It is amazing that most of the religious world does not recognize this fundamental truth. To broach the subject among them brings cries of “intolerance” and “Phariseeism.” Even those who claim to accept the “Lordship” (authority) of Jesus Christ are uninterested in vetting their practices with Him. May we never exhibit the same willfulness. Think about it, brethren!
Invitation: Sincerity is not Enough
Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox
Jeremiah uses the example of Paul, who was sincere even when persecuting Christians, to establish the truth that sincerity is serving God is insufficient. We must also be living in accord with His will.
Sermon: The Weakness and Foolishness of God
The lesson text is from 1 Corinthians 1:18-ff. A proper explanation of the concept of God’s “weakness” and “foolishness” is given, with proper applications.
Sermon: The Correct Path to Unity
John 17 and other passages are used to establish that unity can be obtained only as disciples submit to the authority of Jesus Christ in doctrine and conduct.
Sermon: How the Devil Uses Scripture
Wayne Goforth shows in this sermon how the Devil misused scripture to serve his purposes. Those who teach error use the exact same tactics today!
Sermon: Is the Church of Christ a Cult?
Wayne explores the common view of what constitutes a cult, and exposes the fallacy of those who claim the Lord’s church should be categorized as one. If you have questions about the Church of Christ, this is a lesson to which you should listen.
Sermon: Let Not the Church Be Burdened
Sermon by Wayne Goforth
The First lesson in our Fall Gospel Meeting. Wayne uses the text of 1 Timothy 5:16 to argue against all of the additions of Institutionalism. The work of the church is limited to Evangelism, Edification and a limited scope of benevolence. To add to these is to burden the church, and is unacceptable to God.
Invitation: Jesus Christ, Lord and Sustainer
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The text of John 15 is used to sustain the assertion that Jesus Christ is preeminent, and that we are spiritually sustained only through Him.
Sermon: I am not the Pastor!
The denominational “Pastor system” is unscriptural and indefensible. This sermon discusses the office of Pastor, and distinguishes between what the scriptures teach and the practice of men.
Sermon: The Inherent Authority of the Lord Jesus Christ
Authority is inherent in Jesus Christ because he is our Creater, Redeemer, and the Heir of all things. As such, we must submit to His will.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Invitation: A Doer of the Word
Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox
Jeremiah appeals to Matthew 7:21-ff and James 1:21-25 to establish the necessity of doing the will of God. This is contrasted with religious people who claim to serve God, but only practice the aspects of God’s will that suit them.
Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: The Generic & Specific Nature of Biblical Authority
The sermon uses the question of authorized Musical worship in the Lord’s church to illustrate the principles of Specific and Generic Authority, and Expediency.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
From the Preacher’s Pen: The Path
The following is a poem written by Tracy Gallman. Sister Gallman prepared the children’s curriculum for our recent Family Bible Study Week. The poem appeared in that material. I commend it to you!
The Path
“Walking in Sunlight”
There is a Path we are called to walk on;
By faith and not by sight.
A path where Jesus is
A Path that reveals His light.
His light will guide you and teach you
About His love and care,
The Path will never be lonely
As long as Jesus is there.
The Path may at times become rocky
And full of weeds, but…
Don’t lean on your own understanding –
Look to Jesus – Trust Him –
And with new eyes you will see
The path that Jesus sees.
Jesus calls all who hear
To follow Him along their way,
He promises to guide, guard and Save you
If in His Path you will stay.
Tracy Gallman
Sermon: Individual VS Collective Action
Fifth sermon in an occasional series entitled Concepts of Authority. The text of 1 Timothy 5 is examined to determine whether there is a difference between what God authorizes an individual Christian and a congregation of Christians to do.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Who Is Herman?
Fourth in an ongoing series on authority. This lesson explains what hermeneutics is (the methodological system of interpreting the Bible), and explains that our methodology is not arbitrary or contrived, but is a simple consequence of what the Bible claims to be.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
