Category: Faith

Many are aware of the sensationalistic claims of filmmaker James Cameron, who lent his name and resources to a “documentary” claiming that the ossuaries “bone boxes” that contained the bones of Jesus and Mary Magdalene have been found in Jerusalem. The show aired on the Discovery channel in February, 2007.

Mature Christians were dismissive of the claims, as they deny the Biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Cameron, and director/producer Simcha Jacobovici claim that the evidence suggests Jesus and Mary Magdalene married, fathered a child, and later died and were buried in the city of Jerusalem. This directly contradicts Paul’s claim in 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 8, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve… 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” In his testimony, Paul claims Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension. This directly contradicts the contentions of Cameron and his television documentary.

Continue reading “In The News: Jesus’ Bones” →

Guest speaker Brantley Gallman, from the vantage point of what a Christian young person would want in a future spouse, identifies three characteristics that all Christians should possess. They should be spiritually motivated, able and willing to communicate (especially with God), and possess confidence in the knowledge that they are in Christ. These things will help a Christian be a good mate and a faithful child of God.

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The sermon discusses the text: Hebrews 11:6. To come to God, one must come humbly, in faith, and willingly. God determines the parameters of reconciliation, not man.

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John 20:30-31

Our text immediately follows Jesus’ conversation with Thomas. Thomas expressed his faith upon seeing the ravaged body of Jesus.

His faith was a product of the resurrection miracle. He saw the evidence: the holes made by the nails and the spear wound in the Savior’s side, and exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (vs. 28).

John here states the purpose of miracles, to engender faith.

Jesus is the Anointed of God. He is the Divine, and it is through Him that salvation comes. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

The miracles prove Jesus to be who He claimed He was. We do not have a record of all that Jesus did while He lived on earth. What we do have is sufficient. And, we can be assured by the testimony of God, (cf. Hebrews 2:1-4), that belief in the Son will bring us “life in His name.”

1 John 1:1-3

In John’s introduction to his first epistle, he quickly affirms two basic facts. First, that the gospel of Christ was authentic. He states that he was an eyewitness to that which brings eternal life. He heard it, saw it, gazed upon it, and handled it.

An examination of the gospels underscores the truthfulness of this declaration. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. The apostles not only heard of that resurrection, they saw and touched the Lord. They recognized His victory over death. Paul wrote, “…by Man also came the resurrection of the dead” (1 Cor. 15:21).

Second, that the gospel of Christ brings eternal life. He declared it to his readers that they might also “have fellowship with us.” Because it is authentic, it means Jesus truly is the Savior. He died for our sins, and was resurrected from the dead. His victory over death supplies for us the same hope!

The Calvinistic doctrine of salvation by Faith only is commonly being expressed in our time in the Phrase, “Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone” The phrase intimates not only that obedience is not required of man, but also the impossibility of Apostasy.

It also contradicts plain teaching in Hebrews 11 & 12, and James 2, the texts under consideration in this lesson.

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This sermon is a discussion of the text of Romans 10:1-13. It includes a discussion of the difference between the two covenants; the necessity of faith and confession unto salvation; and a definition of the phrase, “calls upon the name of the Lord.”

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On November 29th, Harris Interactive released results of a poll that was designed to determine what Americans believe on the subject of religion. It seems that the results were near identical to a previous poll taken in 2005. Those interested can see the complete results of the poll, by going to http://harrisinteractive.com

There were certain interesting things to note about the results of the poll:

• First, the United States remains a nation where most identify themselves as Christians. 72% believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 70% believe that Jesus was resurrection from the dead. Of course, it is interesting that 2% of those who profess belief in the deity of Christ nevertheless deny his power over death. For those 2%, perhaps Paul’s words are in order, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:16-19).
• One thing that is disturbing is the small numbers of Americans that accept the Bible as God’s word. While 53% of Americans believe that the Old Testament is the Word of God, and 52% of Americans believe that the New Testament is the Word of God, only 33% believe that both are God’s word. This time, Peter weighs in, proclaiming that “no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Further, Peter affirmed that the epistles of Paul were a part of those scriptures (cf. 2 Peter 3:15-16).
• Americans are very undiscerning in their beliefs. The Harris Poll also asked questions concerning common superstitions. In response, 41% of Americans professed a belief in ghosts; 35% in UFO’s; 31% in witches; 29% in astrology; and 21% in reincarnation. It is rather insulting that questions concerning faith in Christ are lumped together with UFO’s, but what is more disturbing is that so many Americans are so credulous. It is such undiscerning (blind) faith in the ridiculous that gives fodder to those who claim faith in Christ is without merit. Rather, our faith has a significant foundation. Paul, in his address to Festus and Agrippa, made that bold assertion. In the face of Festus’ claim that “much learning is driving you mad,” Paul stated that Agrippa knew the truthfulness of his claims concerning the resurrected Savior. As Paul stated, “this thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26).

While the poll reveals the Christian leanings of our nation, it also clearly shows that such inclinations are seldom based upon true faith. As Christians, we must always remember that, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). May our faith be reasoned and established upon the verity of scripture, rather than the vagaries of human speculation.

If Christians are not diligent to tend and maintain their faith, doubts concerning God and His word can creep in. This lesson explains the danger, and suggests ways to Overcome Doubt in your life.

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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.

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Sunday Morning Class: 11/4
Miracles: The Bible class was an interesting discussion of Bible miracles. The miracles and their purpose were examined.

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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.

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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.

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Hebrews 11:4 mentions Abel as one of the patriarchs, who through his good example, though he is dead, still speaks to us. His example of faith as well as that of others (Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Rahab), teach us the need for obedient faith.

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Atheists and Secularists decry religion as being irrelevant, and claim that those who believe in God and the Bible are unreasonable, and exercising blind faith. This sermon strives to show that faith in God and his word is both reasonable and relevant.

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AOTS Number 72

David slew the giant through the help and power given him by God. We today have God on our side, and we can also be victorious in life.

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AOTS Number 71

Daniel’s courageous stand for God even in the face of persecution is a wonderful example for us as Christians.

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Committment and self-examination are important in successfully applying the truth of God’s word successfully in our lives.

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