Category: Authority

Every month we get a copy of The Christian Chronicle delivered to our mailing address. It always makes for interesting reading, though it is disconcerting to see how steeped in liberalism many churches have become.

A few weeks ago we wrote an article on the subject of the “social gospel”, noting the fact that the paper was reporting on high school football as a part of the ministry of churches of Christ. I thought the article showed the upper limits of absurdity until I read an article in the October 2007 issue entitled, Churches mix faith, football, by Erik Tryggestad.

Tryggestad reported (favorably) upon various churches that are using football as a means of accomplishing spiritual gains. Note the following examples:

Continue reading “In The News: Churches Mix Faith, Football” →

In the September 22, 2007 edition of the Muskogee Phoenix, Assistant City Editor Elizabeth Ridenour wrote about the practice of two area churches, one a Methodist church and one an Episcopal church, of feeding area citizens.

“St. Paul’s [Methodist Church] breakfast is a good opportunity for a variety of people to get together at the church.

“It’s a good time to have fellowship,” said Bob Montgomery, who oversees the program.

Green [Emily, kitchen helper] sees the same benefits. People come for the physical, emotional and/or spiritual benefits they can receive, she said.”

Now, we do not wish to be combative with the kitchen help, but those interviewed about the meals did not seem to be overly concerned about any “spiritual” benefits. Note the following quotes:

Continue reading “In The News: Faith Through Food, Fellowship” →

Galatians 4:21-31

In our text, the apostle Paul uses the two wives of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, as an allegory. His words, “which things are symbolic.”

The two women represent the two covenants. Hagar is the Old Covenant “from Mount Sinai”, and Sarah the New “the Jerusalem above.”

The point of the allegory is to establish that the New Covenant, like Sarah, is to be preferred. Sarah was the mother of Isaac, the child of promise. It was through this lineage that redemption came, not from Hagar and Ishmael.

In the same way redemption is found in the New Covenant, not the Old. The New Covenant of Christ is to be preferred to the Old. We are to cast off the Old, just as the scripture says, “Cast out the bondwoman and her son.” As Paul wrote, “So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.”

Guest Speaker: Keith Greer. There is an eternal principle that remains true in every age. Succinctly stated, God speaks, Man believes, Man obeys, God saves.

While the particulars of God’s message may change, the principle remains. This is certainly true with regard to God ordained worship.

(Note: This is a two part sermon. This evening sermon covers the last 7 slides of the presentation).

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Guest Speaker: Keith Greer. There is an eternal principle that remains true in every age. Succinctly stated, God speaks, Man believes, Man obeys, God saves.

While the particulars of God’s message may change, the principle remains. This is certainly true with regard to God’s plan of salvation for mankind.

(Note: This is a two part sermon. The morning sermon covers the first 8 slides of the presentation).

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Hebrews 7 & 8. The text reveals that Christ is a superior high priest, and his covenant is superior to the Old covenant. The Old Covenant has passed away, and we under the authority of the New Covenant.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The text reveals that God furnishes us with all needed instruction through the Scriptures.

Some have objected that the context indicates Paul was referring to the Old Testament scriptures, in that the New Testament had not yet been compiled.

This observation is true, to a point. As such, it indicates that Paul recognized the Old Testament to be of import in knowing the will of God. While we are not bound to the Old Covenant under Christ, the Old Testament scriptures do instruct and furnish us, (cf. Romans 15:4).
But, we must recognize that what Paul said of the Old Testament is true of the New Testament as well. In fact, for a man to be thoroughly furnished, he must heed all the scriptures.

The New Testament writings are scripture too, (2 Peter 1:16-21), and when we consider God’s instructions, we must not ignore what was spoken by our Lord (cf. Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4).

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 .

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 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 3:16-17)

Here in the Colossian epistle, Paul gives several exhortations which are rather closely tied together. Simply, they are:

1. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom.
2. Teach each other by singing spiritual songs with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
3. Do all things by the authority of Jesus Christ.

Underlying each of these is an emphasis on the importance of doctrine in the life of those who name the name of Christ. Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

Continue reading “The Word of Christ” →

God has standards, or measurements that He demands we follow as we seek to please Him in our service. If we submit to His standards, rather than seeking to establish our own, we will secure for ourselves standing with Him.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In 1 Chronicles 28, King David called all of the leaders of Israel, (captains, stewards and men of valor), to himself, and explained to them that Solomon had been chosen by God to follow him on his throne, and to build the temple. He told them that God had promised to establish Solomon’s kingdom “forever”, “if he is steadfast to observe My judgments and My commandments, as it is this day” (vs. 7).

In verses 8-10, he first addressed the leaders of Israel, and then Solomon, enjoining them to seek God and His will. Notice the passage:

Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever. 9 As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.

The phrase “be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God” is especially instructive to us.

Continue reading “Seeking the Lord” →

AOTS Number 65

The Word of God can be a beacon to us, directing us to safety. However, just as a Captain must submit to and heed the directions from the lighthouse, we must humble ourselves before God’s word.

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AOTS Number 64

God’s will, expressed through scripture, is just as relevant and authoritative today as it was 2000 years ago. As such, we must not alter it, rather we must heed and obey it.

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Podcast Number 56

Denominationalists have long called for union and tolerance of doctrine error, and vain religious practices. The common claim is that as long as one is sincere, he is accepted by God. This is not true. There is a litmus test for acceptance by God, abiding in truth!

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AOTS Number 55

Why are Jesus’ Words in Red? That is a good question. But, the more important question is, “Do we only have to obey the red words, or all of them?

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