Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
The Patternists: Feel Compelled
Religious people typically act in accord with the dictates of the conscience. This is commendable. Paul made clear that we should always do what we believe to be right, “for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
What is equally true is that many, in doing what they think is right, are actually violating God’s will. In other words, they are convinced they are doing what God wants them to do, but they are mistaken. This is a serious problem, as noted by the Lord Himself:
“But God composed the body”
In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul expressed the importance of every single Christian doing his or her part to bring growth to the local congregation. He noted that each individual member is unique, “And the eye cannot say to the hand, ’I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ’I have no need of you’” (21). He concluded that even those members who seem to be weaker “are necessary” (22).
Do we have the same view of our participation in congregational activities and duties? Do we consider our part to be necessary? Or even important?
Paul clearly states that “God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased” (18). “But God composed the body…” (24).
Never underestimate your importance to God and His people. Never underestimate what God expects of you, and how much His people need you to do your part.
Paul wrote, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (27). We need you to be an active member of the West Side congregation. We need to grow spiritually every day, and diligently perform the duties our Lord expects of our congregation. We can’t do that unless each and every one of us are doing our part. You are special! God knows it, and so do we. Do you?
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Sermon: The Facts of Christ
The facts about Jesus, because they are facts, constitute the saving gospel! (Romans 1:15-16), “So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Sermon: Renewal
In Isaiah 40:31, the prophet makes the promise, “but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” In order to be renewed, we must trust the Lord, alter our thinking, and rededicate ourselves to His service!
The Patternists: Hold Fast
In 2 Timothy 1:13, the apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
The words “hold fast” in the text (echo) means to have or hold fast, to adhere or cling to. Consider a small child who depends upon a blanket or stuffed toy for comfort.
The word “pattern” in the text (hupotuposis) indicates an outline, sketch, brief, example or pattern. Consider the idea of a pattern used by a seamstress, or a blueprint used by a contractor.
The word “sound” in the text (hugiaino) is used metaphorically to refer to something that is free of any mixture of error.
The exhortation to “hold fast the pattern of sound words” is modified by specifying the way that they are to be held, “in faith and love.” Adam Clarke well said, “Faith credits the Divine doctrines. Love reduces them all to practice.”
Much is said of faith and love. All are in agreement that these things are necessary. What is often denied is that we must “Hold fast the pattern of sound words.” Here Paul clearly shows this to be required by God.
Paul here emphasizes that God’s word is a pattern for us. He expected Timothy and us to properly respect and revere the Holy Spirit’s guidance in delivering to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us” (2 Peter 1:3). Our respect for God’s word requires us to obey it, in so doing showing our love both to God (cf. John 14:15), and to others (1 John 2:10).
Are you holding fast “the pattern of sound words”?
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Put on Love
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:12).
Paul, in this passage is discussing the character of the elect of God. He calls upon them to be holy, humble, kind, longsuffering, and willing to forgive. The overriding command is to put on love.
It is observed that the call to love is the overriding commandment of God. It encapsulates the law and the prophets (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). It is the characteristic that will preeminently identify a man or woman as a disciple of Jesus. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
In our text, this love is referred to as “the bond of perfection.” This word indicates a measure of completeness, or maturity to which the child of God strives. One who is capable of loving as God expects is a mature, complete Christian. Without love, regardless of the good works done, it is of no real profit (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). True Christian charity, or love, is indispensable. It serves to bind the other Christian graces together.
Do you want to be perfect, complete, whole? Put on love!
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Sermon: Are You a Friend TO Jesus?
In order to be a friend of Jesus, like Abraham, you need to be friendly. I.e. – You need to be a friend TO Jesus. Things like sacrifice, loyalty and faith. Are YOU a friend TO Jesus?
Sermon: A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12 well describes the life of one who presents himself to God as a living Sacrifice. Such a life includes: Thinking Soberly, Functioning Faithfully, Loving Sincerely, Serving Fervently and Living Peaceably.
Jesus, The Son of God
There are some who claim that Jesus was a good man whose moral teachings are worthy of discipleship, despite denying His claims to be God’s Son.
There is no logical reason for this. Jesus did not merely teach (as any other rabbi), He claimed to be the Messiah. As such, if His claims are not so, it can’t be said that He was a good man, worthy of being followed. In fact, only two possibilities emerge. If Jesus is not God, the Son, He is either self-deluded, or a charlatan.
Consider the occasion related in Matthew 15:21-28. A Gentile woman, knowing the prophecies concerning the Messiah, referred to Jesus as “Son of David” (vs. 22). This was a title that many of the Jews refused to give Him, despite all of miracles Jesus did which attested to His claims. Further, the woman, “came and worshiped Him” (25).
The apostles of the Lord, when efforts to worship them occurred, quickly demurred (cf. Acts 10:25-26). “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you…” (Acts 14:15).
And yet, Jesus accepted the worship. This clearly reveals a man who believed Himself to be the anointed of God.
Jesus is worthy of our discipleship, not because He is a good man, but because He is God’s son!
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Sermon: How to Properly Teach Others
Speaker: Armando Vera
Armando shared with the congregation scriptures and experience to help us better teach one another as Christians.
Sermon: Lessons Learned from King Abijah
The text of 2 Chronicles teaches us that the battle is not won by superior forces or brlliant tactics. It is won when righteous men trust in their God.
Sermon: Doctrine – What is It? Why is it Important?
A discussion of the concept of doctrine as it is revealed in the Bible. Why is doctrinal preaching not popular today? What is it? and why is it so important?
Sermon: Singing Praises to God
The lesson is a discussion of singing as an act of worship, and a means by which we can offer the sacrifice of our lips to a deserving God.
Sermon: The 5 Fingers of Prayer
Using the five fingers of your hand as a mnemonic, the lesson teaches us to pray for loved ones, teachers and healers, leaders, the weak and troubled, and ourselves.
Sermon: The God of Comfort
In 2 Corinthians 7, the apostle noted the comfort he received from Titus, when told of the Corinthians penitent hearts. God supplies comfort to His people. Often the people themselves are the source of that comfort, as they supply support and help to each other.
