Category: Defense/Truth
Subject: Defense of Truth
Class Series – 13 Questions
These are 13 actual questions asked by a Baptist church preacher. His name is David Martin, and he is referred to as the “Pastor” of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, in Bartlett, TN.
The questions appeared in an article written by Martin, entitled, “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher CANNOT Clearly Answer.” To view the article click here. (Note: This link only gets you to their home page. You will have to look for the article. The site uses frames, and does not allow for a direct link to the article).
While it is doubtful we could answer these questions to his satisfaction, these questions are similar to those commonly asked of us by those in the denominations.
We should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15).
An examination of these questions will challenge us to study; and will doubtless increase our faith. The design of the series is to elicit discussion and encourage home study.
Right click on each item to save it to your hard drive. Resources include Word Documents, PDF Files, and Audio files in the mp3 format.
(Note: We had some problems with our recording system during the series, and missed several lessons, so not all the audio is available. We apologize for this).
Suggestions for Study (Word)
Suggestions for Study (PDF) Continue reading “Class Series – 13 Questions”
AI – Evidence of Design
“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psa. 139:14).
In the June 29, 2001 issue of the Daily Texan (The University of Texas’ daily student newspaper), staff writer Devin Griffiths reported on an Austin based company, Cycorp, which is a leading force in the development of AI, (artificial intelligence). Simply put, AI is the capacity of a computer to reason and learn on its own, without any outside help. Readers may be familiar with the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, which had as a lead character a thinking, feeling, lying, and ultimately killing computer named HAL.
Sermon: Jehoshaphat in the House of Ahab
Guest Speaker Dennis Scroggins goes to 2 Chronicles 18, to establish through the story of Jehoshaphat and Ahab, the danger of compromising with evil.
Lesson 9 of 9 in Gospel Meeting Series
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Defending the Truth
It is extremely important that brethren everywhere contend for the truth and refute error. When such is done, because so many are tolerant of error and antagonistic toward the truth, there will be conflict. Some will say “Who set you up as brotherhood watchdogs, or arbiters of truth, or modern day prophets.” We have heard such, and the whining we hear when the false teacher is exposed is indicative of the whiner’s arrogance. Concerning the intellectual arrogance that can beset Christians, Paul warned, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us; a sphere which especially includes you” (2 Corinthians 10:12-13). Paul also wrote, “…Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:1-2).
The Word of Christ
“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:
- Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom.
- Teach each other by singing spiritual songs with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
- 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). Interestingly, a search in the New King James version of the New Testament reveals three other times where the phrase “know the truth” is used. The way in which the phrase is used is significant.
Elijahs and Obadiahs
In 1 Kings 18, we have the record of a conversation between the prophet Elijah and a steward of King Ahab named Obadiah.
Obadiah
The name Obadiah is a common one in the Old Testament. We know nothing of the man other than what is revealed in this text. From the text we can state with confidence his faithfulness to Jehovah, even though he was “in charge of his [Ahab’s] house” (vs. 3).
Verses 4 and 5 of 1 Kings 18 reveals that Obadiah “feared the Lord greatly”, and had personally secured the safety of 100 prophets by hiding them from the murderous actions of Jezebel.
In The News: A “Life Friendly” Universe
(Below is an excerpt of a very long speech given by James Gardner, who believes that the universe was created by God. He uses the words of renown evolutionists, who admit that the universe, as it exists, is strangely attuned to producing carbon based life. Note: By no means do I agree with any of the assertions made in the excerpt. But, it serves to show the prejudiced minds of the evolutionary theorists.
Even as they talk about the infinitesimal probabilities involved in producing such a “life-friendly” universe, such evolutionists stubbornly resist the idea that God is behind it all. They study the heavens intently, but are oblivious to their testimony (cf. Psalm 19:1-ff). Truly, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). Consider the following…)
Sermon: Embarrassed by the Church
Some Christians seem to be embarrassed about the distinct nature of the church, its work, and the preaching of the gospel of our Lord. This should not be so.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: The Voice of God
God’s existence and voice are sounded out in various ways. As discussed in this lesson, through His creation, His Word, His Son and His People.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
In The News: Moses the Egyptian
A review of the book, Moses the Egyptian: The Memory of Egypt in Western Monotheism, 1997, appears in the March/April 1998 issue of the Biblical Archaeology Review. The book was written by Jan Assmann, the review by Ronald Hendel. It seems that both the author and reviewer have a modernist view of the Bible, and the history it records.
In The News: The Golden Compass
The film, The Golden Compass, is scheduled for a Christmas release, and New Line Cinema is hoping that it will be as big a blockbuster as Disney pictures The Chronicles of Narnia, released last year.
The films are both fantasies, both based upon books that were written to appeal to children. The difference is that one was written by C.S. Lewis, a member of the Anglican church and a well known Christian apologist. The other was written by atheist activist Philip Pullman, whose desire is to portray religion as evil and God as a fraud.
Sermon: Gospel Meeting Sermons (Scott Gilmore)
Since we have waited until the meeting was over to upload the sermon files, I am going to include all five sermons by brother Scott Gilmore in a single post. Note: At this time the powerpoint files are not available, but will be uploaded in a few days.
Saturday Night: 11/3
Reason and Reading: Brother Gilmore emphasized the necessity of Bible study and the use of reason to establish authority for our religious practices. This is a fine lesson on the subject of authority.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sunday Morning Class: 11/4
Miracles: The Bible class was an interesting discussion of Bible miracles. The miracles and their purpose were examined.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sunday Morning Worship: 11/4
Does Faith Move?: In this lesson brother Gilmore contrasts the false doctrine of “Faith Only” with the Bible teaching of an active faith leading to obedience to God.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sunday Evening Worship: 11/4
Repentance: Brother Gilmore turns to the scriptures for a discussion of repentance, as required by God for salvation.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Tuesday Evening Worship: 11/6
Dangers Facing the Church: Brother Gilmore shows from the scriptures the dangers facing God’s people today due to improper attitudes toward the preaching and teaching of God’s word.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
AOTS: The Preacher
AOTS Number 78
In defense of the faithful preacher of God’s word… He is simply the messenger. It is God’s message, not his, and he must preach it without compromise or apology.
To listen to this Podcast, click here .
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Mining The Scriptures: Jude 3-4
Jude 3-4
The concept of contending for the faith, while well documented scripturally as a requirement of God, is not practiced with regularity in our time. Rather, the call today is for compromise and tolerance.
It is interesting that Jude indicates in this text his desire to write “concerning our common salvation.” It is certainly a pleasant thing to relate the privileges and rewards that are ours if we are found faithful in Christ. However, Jude “found it necessary” to write instead about false teachers and their influence, to warn his readers.
Why did Jude feel compelled to do this? Because of the dangers such men present! They are deceitful in their practices, and Jude reveals that they will stand condemned for their message (cf. vs. 14-15).
Jude warns his readers to “keep yourselves” (vss. 20-21). False teachers are dangerous, and we must contend with them!
AOTS: Balderdash
AOTS Number 74
False teachers use their sophist abilities to make their error seem palatable. The standard for truth is the Word of God. All the errorists have to offer is balderdash!
To listen to this Podcast, click here .
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