Category: Edification

Some are critical of preachers spending too much time preaching doctrine, and not enough time on more practical matters.

Paul told Titus in Titus 2:1, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine…” But, the “doctrine” of which of Paul speaks consisted of practical matters regarding the behavior of younger women, older women, younger men, older men and bondservants.

The fact is, all Biblical teaching is doctrine. And, who is to say which aspect of that doctrine is most important? Rather than looking for someone who will tell you what you want to hear, find a preacher who has determined to “declare to you the whole counsel of God”! (cf. Acts 20:27)

Click below to…

Sermon by Jeremiah Cox.

A textual study of 1 Corinthians 12-14, expressing the purpose of spiritual gifts (edification), and discussing unity in the Spirit.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Lesson 8 of 9 by Carl Allen.

In this lesson, brother Allen discusses the lust of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, as he exhorts us to develop and mature the inward man of 2 Corinthians 4:16.

Audio

A couple of months ago I preached a sermon titled Cyber-Sin. I talked about the dangers of being on the internet, and mentioned that social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are especially treacherous waters for Christians to navigate. Gossip, malicious words, worldly influences and lascivious pictures and links can all be present in those places. While typically there are steps that can be taken to avoid most of these pitfalls, many Christians are less than careful, and fall into sin.

I also preached the lesson in a recent meeting, and on both occasions received kind comments, as most recognize the need for the warnings, and that the criticism is just and accurate.

Continue reading “In Defense of Social Media” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The text of Hebrews 12:12-17 expresses our responsibilities toward one another as Christians. We pursue peace, lest we lose a brother to the world.

Audio

In preparation for an upcoming gospel meeting, the lesson is designed to emphasize the importance of every member doing their part in the collective work of evangelism and edification.

Audio

John had an important and urgent message to share with the elect lady and her children. As such, he wrote this short epistle to warn of the deceivers who would lead them to forfeit their reward.

However, in the final few lines of his letter, he wrote of a preference to communicate with them “face to face.” Letters could not adequately express either his love for them, or the urgency of his warnings.

Each of us know the truth of Paul’s words. We read fondly the letters of love and devotion sent my family and friends. However, our “joy” is full when we see them in the flesh.

Too, the electronic correspondence of our generation is a pale facsimile of personal communication. “LOL” is an inadequate imitation of the laughter and love we share when we are together. Speaking “face to face” is the better way.

Would it be considered controversial to state that the purpose of our worship assemblies is not to evangelize? Perhaps it would be less so if I explained what I mean by the statement.

First, I am not saying that evangelism can’t take place in the assembly. In fact, first principle preaching in the worship assembly is one way that the children of Christians reach the point of being convicted, and thus converted. Also, it is conceivable that the conversion of an occasional visitor may be the salutary consequence of such lessons. More probably, first principle lessons will serve to “stir up your pure minds by way of reminder” (cf. 2 Peter 3:1), equipping the saints to share with others what they have learned, and had reinforced by the preacher’s words.

Continue reading “The Purpose of Our Assemblies” →

Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell

(Note: The first 12 minutes of this lesson were not recorded, the remaining 34 minutes have audio that is reduced in quality, though still very understandable).

The 7 habits discussed by Kyle:

1. Take up your cross *
2. Die for Christ *
3. Pray to the Lord
4. Examine the Scriptures
5. Encourage one another
6. Forgive one another
7. Teach non-Christians

* (Was covered in the first 12 minutes, so not recorded)

Audio

In this third of four lessons on the subject, we note Paul’s admonitions to the young evangelist Timothy to teach the brethren. The purpose for such instruction was to “equip the saints” (cf. Ephesians 4).

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

This sermon consists primarily of the reading of scripture, chiefly in reference to the scheme of redemption. The passages that were chosen were chosen based upon their ability to inspire and uplift men.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Peter intimates that his reason for writing this short epistle was the certainty he would soon die, “knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me” (vs. 14). So, he desired to remind them of certain important things. Things such as the need for maturity and growth, the hope of heaven, the trustworthiness of revelation, the danger of false teachers, and the faithfulness of the Lord’s promise of coming judgment.

These are things his readers already knew, “you know and are established in the present truth” (vs. 12). Yet, three times in this short passage he refers to the importance of reminding them of these truths. He said, 1) He was writing to remind them; 2) He would continue to remind them as long as he lived; and 3) He would ensure they would have a reminder of these things after he died.

This points out an important part of the work of preaching. Preaching is not only done to teach brethren what they do not know about God’s will; it is also done to remind them of what they do know, lest they be guilty of forgetfulness or neglect.

There are a couple of intervals of time each year that I identify as “meeting season”. Most congregations have their gospel meetings in the spring and fall. It can be a busy time, but there is much opportunity for edification.

While most of the area meetings are over, we still have an opportunity for spiritual growth with our upcoming Vacation Bible School (June 20-24). The adults will have a class, with curriculum mirroring the material studied by the children. We are scheduled to meet from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm each evening during this summer series.

Consider this your special invitation from me to come. The elders, in their wisdom, have included the entire congregation in their plans for edification through this effort. You will be blessed, both by seeing the enthusiasm and growth of the children, and by your participation in the studies.

There are so few opportunities to meet together in the course of a year. Each one is precious, and should be experienced if at all possible. So, can I count on seeing you there? Mark your calendars!

The sermon asks the questions: Are you regular in your attendance; do you demonstrate your love; are you an encouragement; are you dependable?

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In the past several months we have had a number of things done to the building to maintain and improve it. Most of it was necessary work: Replacing the air conditioners due to theft, and the carpet in the auditorium due to water damage. Also, new lights, and the addition of ceiling fans to combat the mold problem we have had due to moisture.

The building is in great shape, and ready for our upcoming gospel meeting, but the work got me to thinking about the importance of maintaining the church. (Not the building … the people!)

That is what edification is, “soul maintenance.” Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, “Therefore comfort each other, and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thess. 5;11). Our upcoming meeting is a good opportunity for such edification.