Category: Authority

The King James translation supplies the term “strange” to reference profane or immoral things. The lesson relates four uses of the term for discussion: Strange Gods, Strange Fire, Strange Woman and Strange Doctrines.

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On Tuesday an envelope came in the mail at the church building. The return address from the envelope was:

The WORD of the LORD
P.O. Box 1483
Mesa, AZ 85211-1483

The two pages, printed on front and back had the following heading:

The
Word of the Lord
to
His Church in the Wilderness; and to All the Nations of the Gentiles
BEING THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD

At the end of the pages, which are apparently a sample of a longer work, was a paragraph stating that “a copy of this book containing the Word of The Lord given by revelation to this generation” could be obtained by mailing a self addressed 7 X 10 envelope with $1.52 in postage to the aforementioned address.

There was no other identification, and a quick internet search turned up nothing. There is nothing in the material to identify who it is who claims to have received a further revelation from Jesus Christ. There is also no evidence to support the contention that these words are the words of Jesus. Unlike the signs and wonders that were performed in the first century to confirm the words of our Lord (cf. John 20:30-31; Hebrews 2:1-4).

Continue reading “In The News: “Word of the Lord”” →

The Bible is the best selling book of all time. It is the divine mind of God revealed, and should be respected, revered and studied diligently by men. However, in a recent survey, 64% of all Americans said they do not read their Bible because they are too busy. What kind of attitude do you have, as a Christian, toward God’s word?

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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” →

The New Testament reveals an explicit pattern for the organization of the local church. It is to be autonomous, with elders and deacons. The lesson details that pattern established by God.

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I recently came across the following quote: “Where God places a period, let no man put a question mark.”

I understand the quote to mean that men must accept the decree of God in all things. This is something that is rarely seen in the world today. A premium is placed on skepticism and independence of thought. These things are considered virtuous, and have certainly helped to fuel discovery and advancement in human learning.

However, truth does not need discovery in the realm of religion. The mystery “has been revealed” (Colossians 1:26). The faith has been “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Further, it is impossible for man to determine for himself the proper path. “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

It is certainly appropriate to question what God’s will is. We should study our Bibles daily, and use our God given intelligence to determine what it is that God has revealed to us. What we do not have the right to do is to question why God has said what he has said. Or, whether the words contained in scripture are beneficial to man in today’s society. May we say as the Psalmist, “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments” (Psalm 119:73).

(Note: This article was written by one of the members at West Side, Kelly Wilson. I commend it to you. SC)

“…The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people and say, You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. 27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them…’” Acts 28:25-27 (ESV)

When the Lord Jesus and His apostles proclaimed the simple gospel the common and uneducated heard him gladly and believed (Mark 12:37; Acts 4:13) but when many of the educated Jewish leaders heard the same message they rejected it (Matthew 21:32).

Continue reading “Their Eyes They Have Closed” →

Jesus is to be the Lord of our lives. This indicates that he has all authority, and that we will have no other to whom we declare or show obedience and faithfulness.

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I came across a recent article indicating that Catholic churches in Germany were upset because an entrepreneur had begun selling chocolate Jesus figures, covered in gold foil. The picture at right is an actual example of the figure.

I went to the web site advertising the item, and was blown away by some of the reasoning behind selling the product. Note the following quotes from the site:

…In our time, Santa Claus has replaced Jesus for most people. Unfortunately!

From today on, however, “Sweetlord ®” and the “Original Chocolate GoldJesus ®” are being made to change this!…

…Eating Jesus?

The idea to eat Jesus may first appear shocking to some people – but is it really? Apparently, the tradition to include representations of Jesus in dessert preparations – apart from flesh and blood (altar bread and wine) – goes back centuries both in the old and new world. Among the most prominent examples are the American King Cake and the German Christstollen….

Continue reading “In The News: Chocolate Jesus?” →

When people arbitrarily redefine terms, it allows for all types of sin. If you can redefine life, you can justify abortion. If you can redefine murder, it allows for assisted suicide. If you can redefine marriage, it allows for homosexual unions. If you can redefine adultery, it allows you to to keep a wife after an unlawful divorce. Men may redefine, but it does not change God’s will!

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1 Peter 3:15 tells us as Christians we are to always be ready to give an answer for our hope. Are you able to tell why you do the things that you do religiously. Well, are you?

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Guest speaker Dennis Scroggins uses the Lord’s admonition to note that many people (both religious and worldly) do not understand or accept the teaching of scripture.

Lesson 2 of 9 in Gospel Meeting Series.

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An expository sermon discussing what might first be considered a paradox. The liberty we have in Christ comes as we make ourselves a slave to Him. (Text: Galatians 5:1-6).

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Galatians 1:6-10

The Apostle Paul was a stickler for accuracy. He was careful to preach the gospel as it was revealed to him, and was harshly critical of any who would “pervert the gospel of Christ.”

Of course, the condemnation was given by inspiration, and so reveals to us the attitude we must have toward God’s word. While it is popular to modify the gospel to suit the desires of men, it is not acceptable to God. Consider the severity of the condemnation, “let him be accursed.”

The word, a translation of the Greek anathema, literally means to be banned or excommunicated. The lesson? God will cut off those who change the gospel to please men!

Our purpose is to please God, not men. As such, we should be willing to preach His word to the world, even if it earns us persecution, and the disdain of others. That is what it means to be a bondservant of Jesus Christ.

Because of Christ’s authority and position, the wind and waves, the unclean spirits, disease, and even death obey His commands. If all of these things obey Christ because of who He is, and the authority He has been given (Matthew 28:18), should not we quickly, completely and unquestioningly submit to His authority?

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