Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
FB: A New Creation
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (5:17).
This is both a statement of fact (acknowledging the new birth), and a statement of wonder! When one becomes a child of God, everything changes! Where once we were dead in sin, we are now dead to sin. Where once we had no hope, we now have eternal hope. Where once we had no purpose to our lives, now we rejoice in our singular desire to serve God in all things.
As Paul, “we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (vs. 20). It is a commitment you will never regret!
Click below to…
The Patternists: What is the name of your church?
“What is the name of your church?” We are asked that question often. It is a question that often arises from a denominational mindset. The answer they are expecting is something along the lines: the Baptist church, or the Methodist church, or the Catholic church.
In the New Testament, the church is never given a proper name. The greek work (ekklesia) from which the word church is translated has reference to an assembly or congregation. It literally means “the called out.”
The only proper name given to God’s people is Christian (cf. 1 Peter 4:16).
Some are not satisfied with this, and will continue the question. “What is written on the sign in front of your building?!!” To which we answer, “West Side church of Christ.”
In this we designate that we meet on the west side of Fort Worth, and that we are an assembly or congregation belonging to Christ (cf. Romans 16:16). This is eminently scriptural.
Does your church name follow this scriptural precedent? Or does it indicate a denominational mindset?
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
Sermon: Total Commitment
Christ requires a total commitment from His disciples. This is too often lacking in our day.
Sermon: Identifying Sin
The lesson seeks to identify sin using Biblical descriptions, and discusses the consequences of that sin.
Invitation: Pure and Without Sin
Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox
1 John 3:1-9, the apostle points out the necessity of being pure and without sin as children of God.
Sermon: A Heart Filled with Jesus
Speaker: Brantley Gallman
The lesson calls upon us to have a heart filled with Jesus, and describes what constitutes such a heart.
Speaker: Josh CoxInvitation: Both Savior and Lord
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In Colossians 1:13-20, Paul describes the preeminence of Jesus Christ. He is not only our Savior, He is our Lord.
Racism and the Christian
Racism has always been a problem in the United States of America. Slavery in America was a racist institution. Today, the problems in dealing with militant Islamic terrorism, and illegal immigration are compounded by racist overtones.
I disagree with the view that if one emphasizes the rule of law, or if one opposes Islam as a false religion, he is a racist (as is sometimes claimed in the national discourse). However, it is obvious that the rhetoric being used by many is indicative of racial prejudice. It is also obvious to me in my observations of God’s people that racism is present in the church. This is shameful.
There are a number of scriptures to which we might refer that clearly teach racism is sinful. We might note James’ condemnation of personal favoritism in James 2:1-13. While the specific prejudice of the chapter is a preference for the rich over the poor, the principle can clearly be applied to preferences for one race above another. “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:8-9). In fact, any scripture calling the Christian to love his fellow man, by principle, condemns racism.
A Prophet Without Honor
Matthew 14:53-58 records Jesus’ rejection by the citizens of Nazareth. This led Him to say, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house” (57). They thought they knew Jesus. They had watched Him grow up, knew Him to be “the carpenter’s son”, and could not reconcile the miracles and teaching of Jesus with their own flawed perception of the man.
Interestingly, they acknowledged Jesus had “wisdom” and had performed “mighty works.” But, they were unwilling to accept the obvious, that Jesus was the Messiah as He claimed to be. They instead insisted that their existing perceptions of the man were correct, despite the evidence to the contrary. So, “they were offended at Him” (57).
After Jesus explanation as to why they were not accepting Him, Matthew records, “Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (vs. 58). They saw sufficient proof, but it had not swayed them. Further efforts to establish His credentials would be futile (cf. Luke 16:31), and so He did not try.
The same is true today. People reject Jesus as the Messiah, not because of a dearth of evidence, but because of their own preconceptions. Some believe religion to be mere superstition; others place their trust in science; many deny the possibility of a supernatural resurrection from the dead. The proof matters not, they will not believe. Regardless, the proof that Jesus is the Christ is abundant and sure!
The Patternists: Is Defending Truth Divisive?
There are two models followed in an attempt to attain unity among God’s people. The first is an attempt to have unity amidst diversity. In effect, to go along to get along. Those who follow this model claim that doctrine is unimportant, and will not contend with those who believe differently than themselves. The idea is that God is love, and is accepting of all of us, no matter what we believe or teach.
The second model consists of defending truth. It is the Biblically based model. It certainly excludes those who are unwilling to hold to truth, but allows those who love God and His word to rally around a divine standard. Christians are told to: 1) All speak the same doctrine, and all have the same mind and judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10); 2) Be unified in the same way that the Son and the Father are unified (John 17:20-21); 3) Avoid doctrines which originate in the minds of men (Matthew 15:8-9); 4) And contend for the faith (Jude 3).
In the first model those who contend for the faith are the ones who are castigated as divisive. “There wouldn’t be a problem if you weren’t so contentious!”
In the second, Biblical model, those who contend for the faith are acknowledged to be defending the unity of the Spirit. Those who teach error that are the ones identified as guilty of causing division and strife.
To which model do you ascribe?
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
FB: What Does God Love?
What does God love? How about the opposite of the things he hates?
“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:16-19).
So, God loves the downcast eyes of the humble, a tongue that speaks truth, hands that protect the innocent, a heart that devises righteous plans, feet that are swift to do good, a true witness who tells the “truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”, and one who promotes unity and brotherhood!
Click below to…
Sermon: Why Don’t Some Christians Grow?
The text of Hebrews 5:11-6:8 gives us six reasons some Christians fail to grow or mature:
* They have become dull of hearing (5:11)
* They think they have grown enough (5:12)
* They will not allow the word to change them (5:13-14)
*They are accustomed only to “milk” (5:12; 6:1-3)
* They fail to “press on” to maturity (6:1)
* They have already fallen away (6:4-8)
Sermon: Christians are Servants
As Christians, our service to God and His Son must be characterized by complete devotion (cf. Romans 6:15-23).
Taking Stock
In James 4, the Holy Spirit expressed the dangers associated with pride. For example, pride is one reason for strife among brethren. When one is selfish rather than selfless, the basis for conflict is present. James quoted the proverb, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (vs. 4).
Pride is also a contributor to worldliness. Men are wont to do as they desire rather than what God requires. They exalt themselves above the will of the Almighty. We are counseled, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (vs. 10).
Pride leads one to unrighteous judgment. Men tend to exalt themselves as judges, and arbitrarily condemn others who do not meet their standards. “There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?” (vs. 12).
