Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Authority
Subject: Authority
Divine Implication
Another lesson in our series on Principles of Authority. God authorizes and establishes truth through implication. The principle is explained.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sound Doctrine
Doctrine is not important to many religious people today. A common belief distinguishes between the gospel of Christ and Christian doctrine. One is necessary to hold to and be in agreement about, the other is not. Others emphasize the “Man” rather than the “Plan,” and call those who advocate for unity in doctrine to be “legalists.” They emphasize a relationship and deemphasize the necessity of adhering to scriptural precepts. In their words, they serve “the Living Word [Christ}, and not a bunch of dead words on paper.”
The apostle Paul felt differently. In his words to Timothy, he denounced some in his time that were causing disputes, straying from the “purpose of the commandment.” He noted the “ungodly and sinners” the “unholy and profane” who were guilty of various listed sins like murder, fornication, homosexuality and lying. He ended the list with “any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:3-11). Continue reading “Sound Doctrine”
Sermon: Does the End Justify the Means?
Many have the idea that as long as you attain a goal, the means of obtaining it is unimportant. This is not true with God. Both the method as well as the result must be sanctioned by the Lord.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: And Ezra Opened the Book
A discussion of Nehemiah 8, emphasizing the commendable attitudes and demeanor of God’s people as the Law of Moses was read.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Approved Examples
A discussion of how Bible authority is established, emphasizing the use of Biblical examples to establish permission for action.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: The Commands of God
God has explicitly revealed both requirements and prohibitions for us to heed in our lives to please Him. What God says DO, we must DO. What God says DO NOT, we must DO NOT.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: The Divine Hermeneutic
This lesson affirms that while there are many interpretations of scripture that doesn’t mean that all such interpretations are valid. When God spoke, He revealed His will. It is man’s responsibility to examine the scriptures to determine what God meant, not what we want for Him to have said.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Mining the Scriptures: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus taught as “one having authority” in contrast to the teaching of the scribes. The scribes taught the people from the law, making their appeal based upon Moses or the prophets. However, Jesus’ teaching was different. Consider His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). Again and again He made clear, “You have heard… but I say unto you…” Such authoritative statements amazed His audience.
The demons recognized the authority of Jesus. “I know who You are—the Holy One of God” (24). It is amazing how Jesus was rejected by so many in His day. While the demons recognized Him as God’s Son, often men did not.
However, early in His ministry He certainly had an impact upon those who heard Him. When Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, the authority with which He spoke led to the exorcism of the demon. This was new, and made clear the authoritative way in which Jesus spoke was legitimate. As such, “they were all amazed” (27).
It also gave Jesus notoriety. His words, together with His works made Him famous in the area. Such fame was a two edged sword. The people eagerly came to Him. The leaders felt threatened by Him.
Why Can’t We Understand the Bible?
People often ask the question above, as they struggle with the conflicting doctrines and practices that are found among religious people. The question is valid, though present day attitudes toward such diverse thoughts and practices are not.
Many in positions of authority talk as if such diversity is to be expected, and even inevitable. They contend that it is not possible to have unity in doctrine and practice. Some may contend that truth itself is relative. Your truth may not be the same as mine. Others claim that men are not capable of understanding God’s revelation. And some say that God’s revelation is not sufficiently clear in all areas to be understood. Continue reading “Why Can’t We Understand the Bible?”
Five Questions About Christmas
On Thursday I was given the honor of participating in a video program that is being produced and hosted by Samuel Omaka, a preacher in Nigeria and friend of Kyle Campbell. Samuel sent me five questions, which I share below. I hope the material answers some questions you may have.
What is Christmas?
The simple definition is that it is a festival, observed each year on December 25th, intended to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiday is observed by billions of people the world over, many religiously. However, many secular people and even some who claim to know Christ, do not celebrate it religiously. They may, however, use it as a time to be with family, eat together and exchange gifts.
