Category: Giving
Subject: Giving
Fall 2022 Meeting with Kyle Campbell
Our Fall Meeting, 2022 with Kyle Campbell, November 5, 2002. A series of fundamental lessons answering fundamental questions.
The theme: “Can you show”
Lesson 1: Can You Show That There is a God? (Saturday)
Lesson 2: Can You Show that the Bible is the Word of God? (Sunday 9AM)
Lesson 3: Can You Show that Jesus Rose from the Dead? (Sunday 10AM)
Lesson 4: Can You Show What the Bible Says? (Sunday 11AM)
Lesson 5: Can You Show That the Bible Can be Understood? (Monday)
Lesson 6: Can You Show How We are Saved? (Tuesday)
Lesson 7: Can You Show What Worship Is? (Wednesday 10AM)
Lesson 8: Can You Show What the Church Does? (Wednesday PM)
Lesson 9: Can You Show That Chrisitans are Moral People (Thursday)
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Sermon: Charitable Giving
A discussion of the importance of individual benevolence as an expression of the love we have for men and God.
Sermon: Job’s Worst Day
Five things we can learn from Job’s response after losing his possessions and family. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21)
- Note: No video was recorded of this sermon.
COVID-19 (21) The Responsibility that Few Want to Discuss
So far in our series of daily articles we have emphasized the need for study, meditation and prayer. We have made available to all in our congregation opportunities to worship God. We have been able, with the cooperation of the small town of Westworth Village, to practice rigorous social distancing, and yet still meet to worship God in person on Sunday. We have been teaching online both on Wednesday evening, as well as Sunday during worship. And, we have been trying, six days a week, to write an article like this one to edify and encourage the brethren. Can you think of something that we haven’t dealt with at all? At least, except for a few private conversations?
What about our responsibility to give of our means on the first day of the week!
A month ago, I was monitoring a discussion about whether physical worship is necessary, or whether we should just stay home and strictly observe the shelter in place guidelines that have been promoted both nationally and locally. When one asked the question, “Why would anyone even consider meeting physically during this time?”, a cynic answered harshly, “Because those preachers care more about getting their money than keeping their people safe!”
Continue reading “COVID-19 (21) The Responsibility that Few Want to Discuss”
Be The Exception
A friend recently lent me a book to read. There is much good material in it. In one chapter, the basic premise is the need to recognize that the world is broken.
It is not something that should shock us. Rather than get surprised and offended when we see evil, we should instead note its commonality, and give thanks to God for His intervention and ultimate cure for sin. Following is a quote from the book:
War is not exceptional; peace is. Worry is not exceptional; trust is. Decay is not exceptional; restoration is. Anger is not exceptional; gratitude is. Selfishness is not exceptional; sacrifice is. Defensiveness is not exceptional; love is. And judgmentalism is not exceptional… But grace is.
(Brant Hansen, Unoffendable, page 40)
It is in this way that Christians are able to be an influence for good in our world (cf. Matthew 5:13-14). In the midst of a broken world, we are to be peacemakers, to trust in God, to edify, to give thanks, to give, to love, and to forgive.
We are to be as God is, who has extended His grace to all mankind. It is easy to “walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk” (cf. Ephesians 4:17). Instead, “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
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Compliments from Christ
My son Jeremiah preached a lesson with this title a few weeks ago. This article basically takes his outline, and puts a portion of it in article form. The points made are worthy of consideration.
Everyone enjoys being complimented, but the value of a compliment is very much dependent upon the person who is giving it. A compliment from a wicked man would mean little, as would one that comes from insincere flattery. However, if a compliment were to come from the Lord Himself, that would truly be a great honor. So, consider the following individuals, and the compliments they received from the Lord. If the Lord complimented them, we know that if we do or are the same, we will please Him as well!
The Genuineness of Nathanael
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” (John 1:47). Consider Jesus’ description of the man, “an Israelite indeed…” This distinguishes between a merely physical lineage (born a Jew), and one who is truly faithful to the law of Moses, seeking to serve God. “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6).
Sermon: The Widow’s Offering
Jesus observed a poor widow putting a pittance in the treasury, and commended her for her devotion. There are lessons we can learn about sacrifice, generosity and devotion from her example.
The Patternists: You Who Desire to be Under the Law
Some who claim to be disciples of Jesus will seek to justify their doctrinal positions by an appeal to the Old Testament. For example, why do people advocate tithing, or Sabbath keeping, or the use of instruments to accompany the hymns they sing in congregational worship? The only appeal that can be made is to the Old Law. “David did it!”
In Galatians 4:21, Paul wrote, “Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?” His point was that the law spoke of its own end, and that the children of promise would be free through faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul concluded, “So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free” (Galatians 4:31). By extension, one can’t argue from the Law to justify his practice as a Christian.
Consider these truths as examples:
- Christians don’t tithe, they give as prospered (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Christians don’t keep the Sabbath, they worship on the first day of the week (Sunday) (cf. Acts 20:7)
- Christians don’t worship with instruments, they sing songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)
The warning is severe: “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have follen from grace” (Galatians 5:4).
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
“Come over … and help us”
While in Troas during his second preaching tour, the apostle Paul had a vision in the night. In the vision, “A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). The text reveals that Paul was obedient to the vision, Luke recording him as having concluded “that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them” (10).
The journey took Paul and his companions to Philippi, where they were beaten with rods, and placed into prison (cf. 16:22-24). After traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they went to Thessalonica, where again they fell afoul of the enemies of the cross (17:5). This necessitated a departure under cover of darkness to Berea. Some from Thessalonica followed them, and stirred up the crowds against Paul yet again (17:13). Finally Paul traveled to Athens, where his message was met with mocking (17:32).
Invitation: Give Me Thy Heart
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
Justin notes that all we have belongs to God. We are merely stewards. If we recognize this, whether it is our money our our heart, all decisions we make will be made with God at the forefront of our mind.
Invitation: The Greater Blessing is in Giving
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
Stan uses the text of Philippians 4:10-ff, to establish the truthfulness of the adage, it is better to give than receive. Paul was blessed by the gift given by the Philippians, but the church received the greater blessing.
Sermon: Gospel Meeting (Mo Hafley) November 6-11, 2010
This post contains short summaries and links to both audio and Powerpoint presentations of all the sermons Mo Hafley preached for the West Side congregation in the Fall 2010 meeting, November 6-11.
Lesson 1: Looking Unto Jesus
In this sermon, Mo Hafley of Paden City, WV uses the text of Hebrews 12:1-7, to establish the nature of the Christian’s race on earth, and the motivation behind it as we look to Jesus, our Savior.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 2: How We Worship
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion on proper worship to God, with an emphasis on focus and proper spirituality when we sing, pray, commune around the Lord’s table, give of our means, and listen to the preaching of the Word of God.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 3: A Few Days with Paul
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, as recorded by Luke in Acts 17:1-13. Paul and the first century disciples showed great courage in the preaching of the gospel of Christ.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 4: Parents and Children
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a wonderful treatment of God’s word on the topic of Parenting. In it, Mo shows what God expects of Christian parents, and even has some words of admonition for children.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 5: Preaching Properly
In this sermon, Mo Hafley discusses the proper tone we are to take in preaching. Emphasis is placed upon militance in preaching, as too often in our day and time people heap up for themselves teachers having itching ears. Soft preaching is not God’s way.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 6: Holy Living in an Unholy World
This sermon by Mo Hafley documents the moral evil that is present in our world, and especially our nation. Biblical advice is given to Christians, explaining how we are to navigate in such troublesome waters.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Lesson 7: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego
This lesson is an expository treatment of Daniel 3, showing the courage of these great servants of God. Regardless of consequence, Christians must emulate them.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 8: Evidences
This lesson by Mo Hafley is a concise detailing of various internal and external evidences, given to prove God’s existence, and the validity of the Bible as God’s revelation.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Lesson 9: Homesick for Heaven
This lesson was an appropriate ending to our gospel meeting with Mo Hafley. He used homesickness (an emotion we have all felt) to explain the type of desire and expectation we as Christians should have regarding our heavenly home.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: What If?…
People often enjoying asking the question, “What If?” There are such questions we might ask regarding the spiritual life of God’s children. “What if God gave like you give?” What if God forgave like you forgive?” “What if every Christian studied like you study?” “What if every Christian grumbled and complained like you do?” “What if all Christians prayed like you pray?” This lesson considers those questions.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Corporate Fellowship?
The River Oaks News reported in the Thursday, May 25th edition of the paper, the generosity of the Wal-Mart corporation in giving away $28,500 in grants to various non-profit groups. Among the grants given were donations to various area schools, fire departments and police departments, and city governments.
On the back page of the paper there is a picture of Dr. Bob Mullen, an evangelist for the Westworth Village church of Christ, receiving one of the big cardboard checks from Wal-Mart representatives in the amount of $1,000.
We have three questions:
- As the freewill offering of the saints is the only means by which the church has been authorized to raise funds (cf. 1 Cor. 16), where is the authority for the Westworth Village church of Christ to accept such a donation? (Answer: No such authority exists).
- As Paul indicated that the transfer of funds from the church in Philippi constituted a fellowship in the gospel of Christ (cf. Phil. 1:3-6), where is the authority for the Westworth Village church of Christ to have spiritual fellowship with a corporation like Wal-Mart? (Answer: Again, no such authority exists).
- Does the Westworth Village church of Christ care that what they are doing is without authority? (Answer: Apparently not, as it is the continuation of an unscriptural emphasis on the social gospel concept that has characterized that church for many years).
Congregational Goals
The new year is upon us, and it is a good time to establish some resolutions and goals for this congregation as we enter the year 2006.
While I know that such resolutions are somewhat arbitrary, given that there is nothing special in the date of January 1st itself, nevertheless it is as good a time as any to evaluate our progress in the work of our Lord, and to encourage in each of us a more zealous effort in the future.
In the past year we have had several long time members move away for retirement or to begin working with other congregations. While we are proud, for example, of the preaching efforts of brother Kris Braddock, his and Courtney’s association with the brethren here is missed, as are all who have left our number and moved to other places.
