Category: Local Church

A discussion and defining of the scriptural concept of congregational autonomy, coupled with an examination of historical abuses.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

This class consisted of four lessons, taken from Mark Copeland’s topical sermon series. I chose four lessons from that series:

1. Introduction
2. Denominationalism
3. Secularism
4. Traditionalism

The class took place on each Wednesday evening in December, 2016. The material consists of:

• The four lessons (the material is the same as it appears on brother Copeland’s site, except for reformatting.
• The teacher’s notes (some highlighting, and the addition of scriptures)
• Audio of the four classes

Materials

• Challenges Confronting the Church (4 lesson short series).docx
• CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH – 1 Lesson notes.docx
• CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH – 2 Lesson notes.docx
• CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH – 3 Lesson notes.docx
• CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH – 4 Lesson notes.docx

Audio

• Lesson 1Challenges-Intro
• Lesson 2Challenges-Denominationalism
• Lesson 3Challenges-Secularism
• Lesson 4 Challenges-Traditionalism

Every TV episode and Movie begins the same way, with a recorded message containing the words: “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”

I remember as a kid loving the Mission: Impossible television program. It had a group of “cool” spies who were able to accomplish the “impossible” because of their intelligence, bravery and gadgets. Each mission consisted of various stated objectives, authorized by some shadowy governmental agency. They were not freelancers, they followed the directives of the agency. Because of their abilities and position, they were give a job to do, and they did it.

The show came to mind recently as I involved myself in a study of the “mission” given by God to His church. The parallels are obvious, and illustrate the nature of God’s relationship to His people.

Continue reading “Mission: Possible!” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Corinthians 12 the apostle Paul uses the concept of a physical body as a metaphor for the church. The lesson teaches the necessity of each member, and the care each should show toward one another.

Audio

Sermon 7 of 9 by Carl Allen.

The lesson deals with 1 Corinthians 11 and 14, as well as 1 Timothy 2, as brother Allen discusses the regulations regarding a woman’s role in the church.

Audio

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The apostle notes that each child of God has a part and importance in the working of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:14-25. So, we should recognize the value of all, and humbly seek to encourage one another.

Audio

Fall 2014 Meeting
Speaker: Bryan Gary of Dumas, TX

In 2 Timothy 1:13, Paul wrote Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (NASB).

This second in a series of 9 lessons emphasizes what the Bible teaches about the organization of the local church, and examines some of the perversions of men on that aspect of God’s will.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

The sermon establishes God’s intent in directing Christian’s to withdraw their fellowship from the unrepentant sinner among them. In doing so, the faithful protect themselves from the leavening influence of sin, and seek to bring the sinner to repentance. (1 Corinthians 5)

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon defines what is Christian fellowship, with a special emphasis on local church fellowship.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon describes 8 different problems that could damage a local congregation of Christians. Things like: Cults of personality, false doctrine, unfaithful elders, hypocrisy and worldliness.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Lord’s church is unique. The sermon discusses its nature. Both universal and local, showing Christ’s lordship, the pattern established by Christ, and the concept of local autonomy.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The sermon seeks to explain what is, and what is not Autonomy, as revealed and defined in the Scriptures, especially regarding the Lord’s Church.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Being a Christian involves working and worshipping with a sound local congregation of God’s people. In so doing, we must work with others of different backgrounds and personalities. For this reason it is important for us to learn how to better work with others. The sermon establishes five things that must be present for Christians to work well together.

• Mutual Respect
• Love
• Trustworthiness
• Honesty
• Humility

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The New Testament reveals characteristics concerning the church established by Christ. This church, as contrasted with the denominations of our day, is the only legitimate religious organization in which Christians should be members. This sermon reveals what are the identifying characteristics of that church.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Love is of the utmost importance in any relationship. This is especially so in the relationships sustained with the brethren. The Christian needs to have a fervent, sincere love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, that abounds, and knits them together in unity.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .