Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
The Word of a King
(Ecclesiastes 8:2-4), “I say, ‘Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.’ Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?’”
The wise man’s words ring true in our time. As pandemic mandates gain traction, and our society polarizes more and more each day, many feel that our government is guilty of overreach. Whatever your view of this particular matter, there are a few points that are beyond dispute.
FIRST, our responsibility to be obedient to the governing authorities is one that has God as it’s source. It is a part of our agreement as Christians. Paul agreed with the wise man on this matter (cf. Romans 13:2). Of course, there are limits (cf. Acts 5:29).
SECOND, doing what is unlawful (“an evil thing”) will bring consequences from the authorities — “for he does whatever pleases him.” It is always a losing hand to rail against “the man.”
THIRD, “Where the word of a king is, there is power.” We may not like it when the authorities abuse their authority. We may cry out and complain — but no amount of threatening on our part will keep them from doing what they want to do.
It is for this reason we long for eternity. We realize that in the end, this world is a mere layover to eternity. In the end all inequities will be resolved. All abuses will come to an end. All suffering will cease. Praise be to God! “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’” (1 Peter 3:14).
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Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
What Kind of Life?
What kind of life do you aspire to live? What a question! Can you imagine the answers you would get if you took a survey of Americans. We are a nation that worships at the idols of fame, prosperity, and even infamy. Americans typically want thrills, adventure and noise! How many times have you heard that? If you go to professional sporting events, it is ubiquitous, “Let’s make some noise.” “Let’s party!” “Let’s boogie!” (Yes, I know that last one dates me).
While reading this past week, I came across an interesting passage in 1 Thessalonians that I am sure you find familiar. Paul wrote:
Practical Christian Attributes
The apostle Peter promised that the adding of various attributes to our faith will preclude us being “barren [or] unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In fact, “you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8,10-11).
We might ask why are these attributes key? It is because they equip us to act and to be the type of people who please God. They direct us in the paths of righteousness! This is especially true in our interactions with others. Remember, the two great commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). If we keep the necessity of love for God and man at the forefront of our thinking, it is easy to see why Peter would call for these qualities to be present in our lives.
That They May Distinguish My Service
Shortly after Rehoboam became king of Judah, the scripture reveals that he “forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel along with him” (2 Chronicles 12:1). The specific sins of the nation are stated in 1 Kings, as they “built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and wooden images on every high hill and under every green tree. And there were also perverted persons in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel” (1 Kings 14:23-24). God chose to chastise the king and the nation by raising up the king of Egypt against them. Shishak, the Egyptian ruler, invaded Judah with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and a large number of his people.
What Can I Do for Others?
Fairly soon after leading Israel out of Egypt, Moses met with his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness. As they talked, Jethro witnessed Moses acting as judge before the people, and suggested that Moses give some of the responsibility to others. “And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you” (Exodus 18:22). Moses liked the idea, and it apparently pleased God as well, (cf. 18:19), so Moses followed the advice.
There is an analogue to this in the church. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4 that the work of evangelists, pastors and teachers is to equip the saints “for the work of ministry” (4:12). So, the whole body will grow by the work done by “every joint”, “according to the effective working by which every part does its share” (4:16).
Rather than the clergy/laity model, where the clergy ministers to the needs of the laity, God’s pattern is for the spiritually mature to equip all others so that they can themselves become ministers of the gospel. In simple terms, it is not my purpose to do for you. Rather, my purpose is to train you to do your own work; to equip you for ministry; to help you take part in the work of edification.
We each have our own part to play. Is your attitude, “What can you do for me?” Or, “What can I do for others?!”
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Things to Learn from the Wise Man
The book of Proverbs teaches us a myriad of important lessons we need to heed. In doing so, we will both please God, and will enrich our lives and relationships. Here are a few things I have learned by reading the book of Proverbs. (Note: In order, from chapter 1 on, until I run out of space in this article).
True knowledge comes when we begin to fear God (1:7). It is important to listen to parental wisdom (1:8). Ignore evil people (1:11-19). Exercise discretion to avoid the pitfalls of evil (2:11-17). Sexual immorality leads to destruction (2:18-22).
Obeying righteousness leads to a long and peaceful life (3:1-8). Be receptive to God’s chastening, as it brings understanding (3:11-14). When you can help others, do so right then, don’t put it off (3:27-28). Don’t pick fights (3:30). God punishes wickedness and rewards righteousness (3:32-33). Don’t lie (4:24).
Sermon: The Tents of the Righteous
The Psalmist stated in Psalm 118:15, “The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous…” Tents were familiar to the Jews and Christians in the first century. The use of the image in scripture teaches some good lessons.
Sermon: Paul’s Instructions for All
The apostle Paul exhorts Titus to instruct every group in the church in sound doctrine. The lesson examines exhortations to Older men, Older women, Young women, Young men and Bondservants.
Gold and Silver? Or Wood and Clay?
“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:10-21).
Are you a vessel of honor in the great house belonging to God? Cleansing yourself from “the latter” means to cleanse yourself from dishonor.
As Christians, we are to live sanctified and useful lives. We are to “flee youthful lusts” (vs 22), pursuing “righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (vs. 22).
A woman presents to important guests in her home her best dishes and cutlery. On these special occasions, she doesn’t typically set down paper plates, plastic forks and gimme cups from the local fast food restaurant. She wishes to present her best for her friends.
Are we seeking to become special, so as to be the best our Lord has to offer? It takes diligence on our part to be “vessels of gold and silver.” The divisive, quarrelsome, worldly Christian is a dishonor to his Master. The vessel of honor is “gentle, able to teach, patient” (vs. 24).
It’s not enough simply to call yourself a Christian. Rather, it is expected that we be “a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master.” Does that describe you?
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The Patternists: Entrusted by God
The necessity, on every occasion, to respond to God’s authority in an appropriate manner is a central pattern found throughout scripture. While men feel that God is permissive and does not expect fealty from men, the Bible reveals otherwise, both explicitly, and implicitly.
As an example, consider Paul’s explanation of his God given stewardship in his first letter to the Thessalonians. “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
Sermon: Ugliness
Just like in Roman times, our society is full of ugliness and sin. Violence, oppression, immorality, vitriol and corruption is everywhere. What is the proper Christian response?
The Patternists: Behave Like a Christian
One of the paragraph headings the translators add to the book of Romans is found in the context of Romans 12:9-21. It reads “Behave Like a Christian.”
Though supplied by uninspired men, the paragraph heading is well chosen. There are certain behaviors that should be characteristic of Christians. We are servants and disciples of Jesus. Our lives must reflect that in order to please Him. So, what are these behaviors, as listed by Paul in this passage?
Pressing Toward the Goal
Paul wrote:
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).
Paul had the right attitude. His past life as a persecutor of the church was no longer relevant because of his obedience to the gospel of our Lord.
His conversion was not enough in and of itself, because he understood the danger of apostasy. “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).
Paul understood that the only way to approach his life was to look forward. “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1). What matters is what I am doing now for the Lord. What matters is pressing forward — reaching for the prize — making heaven our goal.
Paul understood … do we? May we never rest upon our previous accomplishments. May we never take our relationship with God for granted. Press toward the goal!
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Sermon: Disrupt, Dismantle Destroy
The proper response of a child of God when confronted with evil is not to compromise or accomodate it. Instead, the Christian must be militant, battling evil with the power of God and His word.
