Category: Defense/Truth

The eighth lesson in a continuing series titled “Simple Answers to Troubling Questions.

The sermon asks the question, Can the General Theory of Evolution be true? The sermon contends that evolutionary theory does not adequately explain the origin of the universe, the evident design present in the universe, and the existence of morality.

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Sermon Audio: Click Here .

I recently came across the following quote from an unknown source:

The Bohemian reformer John Hus was a man who believed the Scriptures to be the infallible and supreme authority in all matters. He died at the stake for that belief in Constance, Germany, on his forty-second birthday. As he refused a final plea to renounce his faith, Hus’s last words were, “What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood.”

Hus’ attempts to reform Catholicism predated those of Martin Luther by 100 years. Though he never came close to an understanding of truth, the quote above shows that he had a proper attitude toward its defense. This willingness to die for the faith is laudable, and should be emulated by Christians today. “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

That’s not to say we will have to die for our faith. We are fortunate in our day to receive the protection of the state as we practice our faith. However, too often Christians in our time lack the virtue to stand for God’s word, without compromise, no matter the cost. This is what God requires, and each of us must count that cost as we live for Christ.

Paul, as a preacher, should be emulated by Christians. He preached plainly the whole counsel of God, despite persecution and a lack of support. And he did it all with joy and zeal.

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The lesson points out that one important purpose in preaching the gospel is to warn the sinner of his sin, that he may repent. Those who are unwilling to serve as watchmen in Israel will be held accountable.

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The sermon is a treatment of an email correspondence the speaker had with a Christian who holds to the “Positive Gospel” concept of preaching. What is the proper tone to be used in the preaching of the gospel of our Lord?

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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” →

“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.

Continue reading “AI – Evidence of Design” →

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

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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).

Continue reading “Defending the Truth” →

“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:

1. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom.
2. Teach each other by singing spiritual songs with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
3. 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.

Continue reading “The Word of Christ” →

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.

Continue reading “Elijahs and Obadiahs” →

(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…)

Continue reading “In The News: A “Life Friendly” Universe” →

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 .

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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.

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Sermon Audio: Click Here .

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.

Continue reading “In The News: Moses the Egyptian” →