Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Invitation: The Idea of “Ought”
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul uses the little word “ought” to establish that God will hold us accountable for our actions.
God has saved us, both Jew and Gentile, by Grace. This extension of God’s mercy, as seen in Sermon: Be Wary of Corrupting Influences
The world we live in is truly profane. As Christians we need to take care that we not be corrupted by worldly influences.
Invitation: May God Be With You Always
Invitation delivered by: Ben Schmidt
The Star Wars movies talk about “The Force.” The Bible reveals God to be the omnipotent and merciful creator and sustainer of all things. We are redeemed by His grace.
Sermon: Despair – A Motivation to Share the Gospel
So many are lost in sin and despairing, not knowing where to turn. The gospel is a beacon of hope. As Christians, we should be motivated to share that precious message of salvation.
Sermon: Healing the Sick
Unlike many religious quacks, Jesus is the Great Physician, with the cure for man’s greatest disease, SIN.
Invitation: God Keeps His Promises
Invitation delivered by: Josh CoxSermon: The Assurance of the Benefits of Being a Christian
Sermon by Brantley Gallman.
We receive many blessings as the children of God, which give us joy and confidence as we trust in Him.
Sermon: A Quiet Life of Service
Sermon by Brantley Gallman.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 contains Paul’s exhortation that we live a quiet life of service. This article discusses that principle.
Sermon: The Establishment of Christ’s Kingdom
A number of scriptures are examined to show that the Kingdom of Christ was established following His death and resurrection, upon His exaltation in Heaven.
God calls each of us to share the gospel of our Lord, despite opposition, in an attempt to save souls. If we won’t, no one will!Angry Words and Actions
Perhaps you have read the following story:
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Selfishness
Selfishness is perhaps the single human characteristic most destructive to the unity of God’s people. When men are more concerned with their own desires and will, and less interested in the welfare of the many, division is the natural consequence.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he wrote, “I implore Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). These words strike the only sour chord in Paul’s letter of love to that congregation. It seems that strife existed between the two women, and Paul admonished them directly.
Earlier in his letter there is a possible explanation for the conflict, as Paul expressed in the second chapter the basis for unity among believers. He wrote, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:1-4). The ladies may have been acting selfishly.
Selflessness is the example set by our Lord (cf. 2:5-8). If Jesus had acted selfishly, not mindful of our needs, He would have remained in Heaven with the Father. If He had, He would not have secured our redemption. We rejoice that our Lord was more concerned for us than for His own welfare. And, we should follow His example.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Self-Deception
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18).
It is very easy to deceive yourself in this life. It can happen in several ways. It may be that you compare yourself with another rather than the inspired standard (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:12). It may that your problem is arrogance, and you are dismissive of views other than your own. (cf. Proverbs 16:18). It may be that ignorance or prejudice leaves you vulnerable to being “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14; cf. 2 Peter 3:14-16). Regardless, self-deception is rampant.
The apostle Paul, in our text, shares the secret to avoiding self deception. Become a fool. The idea parallels his words in 1 Corinthians 1:8, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
It is only when we submit ourselves to the will of God that we can be assured we have a firm grasp on our relationship with Him. God has revealed Himself to us so that we have a full and complete understanding of what He requires of us. We can examine our lives and hearts, holding them up to the light of God’s word, and be either confident in our standing, or aware of the changes we need to make to be pleasing to Him. “Lean not on your own understanding!” (Proverbs 3:5).
The Patternists: Unless the Lord Builds the House
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
The Psalmist declares an axiomatic truth. We simply can’t prosper without God’s approval. It is such an important thing that it is foolish to presume that God is pleased with us. And yet, presumption is the norm. It is said time and again: “I know the Lord is happy with my worship.” “I am confident that the Lord is pleased with my ministry.” “I am certain the Lord approves of my lifestyle.” These sentiments and their ilk are commonly expressed with absolutely no basis other than the opinions and subjective emotions of the speaker.
The only way we can be certain that the Lord approves of our lives, faith and worship is if He has revealed His approval of these things. The only place that God has revealed His will to man is through the Holy Scriptures. Remember, assumption is presumption. Instead, make sure that it is the Lord that is building your house!
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