Tri-Annual Singing!
October 17, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Bible
Subject: Bible
In the News: Desire the Word!
From time to time it is difficult for me to decide what to write for my frequent “In the News” articles. Sometimes there is so much to choose from in current events, that it is hard to decide what to write about. Other times I struggle to find anything that I feel would help those who read my articles.
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2013 (Jerry Fite)
The following wonderful lessons were preached by Jerry Fite at the West Side church from November 2-7, 2013. There were 9 lessons in all, with sermon audio and PPTX files supplied for each.
Unity in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
(Saturday, November 2, 2013)
- A study of 1 Corinthians 12 explaining in the context of spiritual gifts, that the purpose of a unified spiritual body is edification. The Corinthians were to exercise their spiritual gifts to edify all, as they were united in loving care for one another.
The New Testament Canon
(Sunday Bible Class, November 3, 2013)
- The lesson discusses the canon of scripture, and how it is obtained. The point is made that the church did not determine what books were conanical. Rather, they acknowledged what all understood to be true.
Why Do You Do Good Works? (Ephesians 2:10)
(Sunday AM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- We are to do good works as a second opportunity to truly live. We are alive by the grace of God, and therefore should be zealous for good works.
Applying the Minister’s Checklist (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
(Sunday PM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- Paul revealed to Timothy certain things that should be present for him to be effective as an evangelist. In application, brother Fite asks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child of God in the local church observed the checklist as well?
Hold to the Pattern of Sound Words (2 Timothy 1:13)
(Monday, November 4, 2013)
- In application, brother Fites calls for faithfulness to the gospel pattern in areas such as Music in worship, Benevolence, Evangelism and the plan of Salvation.
Must I Forgive? Then How?
(Tuesday, November 5, 2013)
- Jesus indicated in Matthew 6 that we must forgive others if we wish to be forgiven. The lesson examines the obligation to forgive, and what to do if a person is unwilling to ask forgiveness of us.
Pay Attention to Your Speech (James 3:1-12)
(Wednesday AM Class, November 6, 2013)
- An expository lesson discussing James 3. Brother Fite calls for us to pay attention to our speech. Our speech should bless, edify, give grace to those who hear, and be full of thanksgiving.
A Plan for Raising Children to be Joyous Christians
(Wednesday PM, November 6, 2013)
- How do we raise joyous children? By helping them to know: The Lord is the Creator of all; their Savior from sin; their High priest; and the presenter of the Crown of Eternal Life.
Before the Judgment Seat
(Thursday, November 7, 2013)
- When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, some will be surprised. Because they are classed among the wicked; they will be the last rather than the first, they will be lost because they were not abounding in the work of the Lord. Live so that you will not be surprised at the judgment seat of Christ.
Sermon: Being Ready to Receive the Word
Sermon by Josh Cox.
In this lesson, Josh indicates the responsibility we have to be receptive to the word of God. Also discussed are certain suggestions on readying ourselves, and concerns that arise regarding inappropriate attitudes and practices concerning God’s word.
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).
