Category: Edification

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.

Our quarterly singings are a wonderful time for edification and encouragement. All who were at the singing last night were strengthened in faith by the worship offered to God.

We are given the command to sing in Ephesians 5:19, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” We are given a reason to sing in James 5:13, “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt. Our singings have been going on now for some time. Were you there last night? Did you forget, or have something “better” to do? Please consider whether your time could be spent in doing anything better than offering praise to God!

Remember, our next singing is scheduled for April 17th. Hope to see you there!

The Church in Philippi is introduced in Acts 16, then aspects discussed in the lesson from the Paul’s epistle to that church. The discussion includes:

• The possible faults of the congregation
• The congregation’s virtues
• Paul’s admonitions to the brethren
• Paul’s final admonition from 4:8-9

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Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

In his second epistle, Peter (1:12-15) emphasizes the need to stir up the brethren by reminding them of things they knew. There is the same need today to remind the brethren of things known, to equip and strengthen them in the faith.

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Sermon Audio: Click Here .

AOTS Number 33

How is it that two can both hear the same sermons week after week, and one is faithful and strong while the other is weak and worldly? Could it be that only one of the two is really listening?

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Cecil May is the President of Faulkner University, and holds meetings in institutional (liberal) churches throughout the nation. He has some conservative inclinations, and from time to time in his bulletin, Preacher Talk, complains about the direction that institutional churches are heading in attitudes and worship. The following recently came from his pen.

“‘Behold, the days are coming,’ declares the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine on the land — not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord’” (Amos 8:11). While Amos was not talking about us or today, his words fit.

Many changes taking place today indicate a decline in appreciation for preaching.

Contemporary services typically focus on “praise and worship” and down-play preaching. Instead of two sermons on Sundays, Sunday night preaching is replaced by small group meetings. (These are not wrong in themselves and are often beneficial, but they do replace preaching.)

In the preaching that remains, popular demands are requiring shorter and shorter sermons. Film clips from television programs or movies replace significant parts of the sermons. Drama is deemed more effective than preaching. Preaching designed to make us feel good replaces preaching to convict and call to repentance.

The Bible still says, “How shall they hear without someone preaching” (Romans 10:14) and “It pleased God by the folly of what we preach to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

Cecil May, Jr.
Preacher Talk, Vol. 23, No. 1, pg. 2

Analysis:

When the movie The Passion of the Christ came out I wrote an article for the River Oaks News mentioning the furor surrounding the movie. (You may remember that certain representatives of the Jewish community took exception to the movie’s premise that the Jews were responsible for the death of Christ. I guess they would not appreciate Peter’s statement, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36).

Regardless, in the article I mentioned that I had no desire to go see the movie. I had the New Testament itself, and felt no need to see the dramatization of the words I had read. The editor of the paper and others in the office had watched the movie, were very moved by it, and were convinced that it would bring some to Christ. So, she feared some would be offended by my words, and declined to run the article.

The attitude is typical. But, the idea that we need to spice up and dramatize the words of God (if you carefully think about it) is rather insulting to the Spirit of grace. While emotion certainly has its place in the lives of Christians, it should be noted that the types of emotional responses which lead to true zeal, ardor and love come as a result of edification. And edification is the byproduct of preaching and teaching.

Churches that are interested in truly lighting a fire under members would do well to remember that a movie, play or skit may cause someone to walk out the door sad, happy, or angry (depending upon the purpose of the dramatics); but the preaching of the gospel of our Lord (if heeded) will lead to lifetime commitments and zeal. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). As always, God’s way is the best way!

A love and affection for one’s brothers and sisters in Christ leads a Christian to seek their well begin and eternal welfare.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .