Category: Subject Index

The Bereans were noble because they kept OPEN minds, OPEN Bibles and OPEN Schedules. We need to emulate them.

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Invitation by Stan Cox

Taken from Psalm 22, the Messianic prophecy includes applications to us.  Though we may sometimes feel forsaken, God is never far from us. (cf. vs. 21) “Save me from the lion’s mouth… You have answered me.”

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An examination of 2 Corinthians 8, and similar passages helps to establish God’s pattern for the benevolent work of the local church.

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The various ways that Christians are described – As disciples, saints, brothers, believers, sons of God – all teach important lessons regarding our relationship and obligations to God.

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The term “legalist” is used quite often in religion, and always in a negative sense.  If someone calls you a legalist, they are not giving you a compliment.

The term is not used in scripture, so we must go to secular sources to define it.  Dictionary.com does so:

1. strict adherence, or the principle of strict  adherence, to law or prescription, especially to the letter rather than the spirit.
2. Theology
   1. the doctrine that salvation is gained through good works.
   2. The judging of conduct in terms of adherence to precise laws.

Looking at the definition above, it would be inappropriate for Christians to ascribe to any of the definitions, save perhaps the last.  Let me explain. Continue reading “Are You A Legalist?” →

“Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? ² She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. ³ She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: ⁴ ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.’” (Proverbs 8:1-4).

There is so much foolishness in the world today as infidels and skeptics are heard on every corner.  The cacophony of voices, each touting their own philosophy, makes it difficult to know what is true and right.  However, true wisdom’s call is present among the voices, and she can be heard, if we apply the correct filter.  That filter is the word of God.

“But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:23-25).

Our text states that wisdom proclaims things that are prudent, excellent, right, true and righteous.  There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.  And, “They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge” (5-9).  Look for it in the right place (God’s word), and true wisdom can be found!

When men lack an understanding of their dependence upon God, and His faithfulness, it leads to anxiety, and divided loyalties.

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Lessons can be learned from John the Baptist’s admonition of the prideful Pharisees and Sadduccees in Matthew 3.

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In Colossians 1:3, Paul wrote, “We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…” His specific reason for thanking God at that time was the “faith in Christ Jesus” and “love for all the saints” that the Colossians had exhibited to him.

Paul serves as a good example of one who was mindful of the blessings of God, and who endeavored always to acknowledge them. We too should be quick to thank God. We have much for which to be thankful:

• Spiritual Blessings. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” ALL is inclusive. Every aspect of our spiritual lives. It encompasses our standing with God, our relationship with His people, our opportunities to worship and serve, the privilege of adoption, the hope of heaven.
• Physical Blessings. “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Again, this is an inclusive concept. God created the physical universe, and wonderfully fashioned man from the elements He had created. Our homes, our families, our food, our health — all of these are blessings that have their origin with God. “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

Prayer is offered to God for many reasons. We petition Him for forgiveness, offer praise to His name, make petitions to Him on our own behalf, and on behalf of others. All of these are legitimate and important. No aspect of prayer is more important than acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon us by our God, and thanking Him for His grace.

“Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 106:1).

The United States is among the most tolerant and permissive of societies. Yet it is a society that is extremely intolerant of a very few things. One example of intolerance is with regard to “political correctness.” There are certain attitudes and ideas, which if expressed, lead to the ruin of public reputations and careers. Often those who rush to condemn these attitudes, (what they call “hate speech”), are the same ones who clamor over the right to freedom of expression. This is incongruous, but is nevertheless a rather prominent feature of our day.

This is also true in religion. These permissive influences claim that all religions have worth and that religious criticism is a form of that “hate speech.” Pleas for toleration have led many to the irrational claim that all these terrorist attacks by Muslim fundamentalists had “nothing to do with religion.” They ignore the fact that such extremists have declared a “jihad” (holy war) against all non-muslims. Continue reading “Contending for the Faith” →

Lesson 5 of 5 in Lectureship Series: Controversy Among the People of God.

Speaker: Josh Cox

This lesson examines God’s law on Marriage (One man, one woman, for a lifetime), and notes the problems that come from man’s emotionalism and willfulness.

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Paul took seriously God’s call for him to preach the gospel of Christ, saying, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).  While that passage specifically references Paul’s stewardship as Christ’s apostle, the principle regarding stewardship is valid, not matter the responsibility given.

One responsibility we all have is to edify (cf. Ephesians 4:16).  Every part must do its share in the work of edification. It is only in this way that the body of Christ can grow in the way God intends.

Consider this truth in light of the Holy Spirit’s call to assemble.  “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

While it is personally beneficial to attend worship services consistently, that is not the Hebrew writer’s point. Rather, he is referring to the stewardship of edification. We have a responsibility to encourage and build up our brethren! God has supplied the assembly to help us to accomplish this task. To forsake the “assembling of ourselves together” is to be unfaithful in that stewardship.

Let’s say that you are a part of a congregation that has 100 members.  When you come to assemble, you do so with the primary purpose of edifying the other 99.  The wonderful part of God’s plan is that while you do so, you have 99 brothers and sisters in Christ whose primary purpose is to edify you!

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Speaker:  Stan Cox

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, the apostle notes the fundamental truths which make up the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.  He assures the Corinthians that salvation is theirs, “if you hold fast that word…”

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Lesson 4 of 5 in Lecturship Series: Controversy Among the People of God

Speaker: Armando Vera

This lesson examines the Biblical teaching regarding the nature and limits of Christian fellowship, and the proper attitudes and actions toward disciplining the erring child of God.

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Lesson 3 of 5 in Lecturshipe Series: Controversy Among the People of God

Speaker: Brantley Gallman

This lesson examines the Institutional issues that divided the Lord’s church in the middle of the 20th century. Such division remains today.

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