Category: Bible
Subject: Bible
Sermon: The Sufficiency of the Scriptures
Josh Cox discusses attitudes toward the Bible, expressed by those who are not Christians; the inspiration and sufficiency of the scriptures as God’s word; and the proper attitude that Christians should have toward the Bible.
Invitation: Bible 201
Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee
Kyle delivered an interesting and enlightening Bible “quiz” to encourage daily Bible study.
Sermon: Accepting the Bible at Face Value
Much of the religious error and problems that exist do so because men are not willing to accept the Bible as it is written. The problem can be present among God’s people as well as those caught in denominational error.
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:1-3
In the previous chapter, Peter had indicated that we are to purify our hearts through obeying the truth, revealed in God’s will for man. In our text, he continues the thought, calling for the Christian to remove evil from his character, (malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and evil speaking), and to replace it with God’s word. The Christian’s desire to know God’s word is to match the desire of a baby for his mother’s milk.
The word of God is here described by Peter as “pure” (NKJV). The KJV renders it “sincere.” God’s word is not harmful as long as it remains unsullied by the impurities men supply. Even in passages such as these the importance of doctrinal purity is evident. Be wary of those who seek to minimize the importance of such purity.
The pure word of God, when ingested, results in growth. By ingested we mean studied and applied. By growth we mean Christian maturity. Babes in Christ become full grown when they, “by reason of use [of God’s word], have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). This desire for God’s word is a byproduct of His extended Grace. In fact, the totality of our life and faith is motivated by His gift to us (cf. Titus 2:11-12).
Using New Muscles
Some of you may be aware that when Kyle Chamblee was younger, he used to be a competitive gymnast. He and I were talking the other day, and since he knew I played golf, asked me if playing golf ever left my muscles sore.
I told him, no, that it didn’t. Golf after all, is not the most intense form of physical activity. It is one of those lifetime activities that can be enjoyed at any age, and just about any fitness level.
In the News: The Bible Only
On the PBS channel’s website, I recently came across a transcribed interview with a woman named Lori Anne Ferrell. Dr. Ferrell is a professor of early modern history and English at Claremont Graduate University, in Claremont, California. The interview covered aspects of English history in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, around the time that the King James Version of the Bible was translated. During the interview, Dr. Ferrell was asked about the influence of John Wycliffe upon Christian thought in that time period. As a part of her response, she said:
Invitation: Bible 101
Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee
In his first effort to speak to the brethren, Kyle uses the construct of a “pop quiz” to teach some fundamental truths from God’s word.
Invitation: Wisdom of Men VS Wisdom of God
Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox
Jeremiah uses the text of 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 to emphasize that our preaching should not be based in or heavy on illustrations, quotes and the wisdom of men. Effective preaching and teaching has its basis in God’s word!
Daily Bible Reading
At the first of just about every year, I take the time to encourage everyone to read their Bibles. I think it is important to establish a daily habit of Bible reading, and there are many schedules and techniques that can be used to facilitate that desire. But, the task can be intimidating, especially to those who have not been Christians for very long, or for those who are not “readers” among us.
From the Preacher’s Pen: The Sweet Words of God
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed That I will keep Your righteous judgments” (Psalm 119:103-106).
It is a wonderful thing to have opportunity to read, study and meditate on God’s word. Those who give themselves to such study, with the purpose of sharing the fruits of their study with others, are to be commended. In Romans 10:15, Paul quoted the prophet Isaiah in describing the preacher of the gospel. Isaiah’s words, found in Isaiah 52:7 are:
“How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”
We are blessed this week to have the opportunity to hear brother Chip Foster proclaim the sweet words of Jehovah in our hearing. The gospel of our Lord is the “power of God unto salvation” (cf. Romans 1:16). Please take advantage of every lesson, and rejoice in the easy availability of His will for man. We are truly living in times of blessing, and look forward to our week together!
Invitation: The State of the Bible
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
Surveys show that most consider the Bible to be Holy, but not particularly relevant to our time and society. However, the Holy Spirit affirms that it is capable of perfecting those who read it (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Sermon: “You have not passed this way before”
Joshua instructed the people to rely upon God’s guidance as they entered the promised land for the first time, for “You have not passed this way before.” The same admonition is relevant to our lives as we contemplate such varied things as our salvation, marriage, raising kids, and even the eventuality of death.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Flexible Bible Reading Schedules
Today, a new year begins. Thus an perfect opportunity to make some new year resolutions regarding your service for the Lord. One of the best that can be made is to be more consistent and devoted in your Bible reading schedule.
Over the years I have suggested and supplied a number of different reading plans. Reading the entire Bible in a year is a good plan. Some may want to read through the book of Psalms or Proverbs. Others may want in the next several months to read through the New Testament, or a portion of it.
I have come across a website that allows you to pick the book or books you want to read, and the time you want to take to do so. If you wish, a daily email can be sent with the reading, or links to audio on the internet, where you can listen to the passage you have chosen rather than reading it. The best part about the site is its versatility. It is easy to use, and even the most technologically timid can utilize the site. So, my suggestion would be to check it out today or tomorrow, and use it (or some other schedule) to help you to be regular and dedicated in your reading of the word of God.
The URL to the website is:
Sermon: Why God’s Word Cannot Be Destroyed
Sermon by: Bob Ward
Bob explains why, despite the best efforts of athiests and secularists, the Word of God stands. It is unassailable, and cannot be touched by the efforts of man to destroy it.
