Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: Integrity
The sermon shows that we must walk in integrity (cf. Psalm 26:11) toward ourselves, others, and ultimately, God.
Sermon: Fighting Against God
Conflict both within and without the church is unable to thwart God in His purpose. It is futile to fight against God!
A church for people who don’t like church?
A few weeks ago I came across a website for a “Cowboy church” in the metroplex which trumpeted that they were “A church for people who don’t like church!” It is an interesting phrase. An internet search shows it to also be a popular one, being adopted by different groups who want to reach out to the lost by inappropriately accommodating their discomfort with the practice of religion.
Note this quote from VERVE, a non-denominational church in Las Vegas, NV:
“But the reality is that there are a lot of people who are looking for God and seeking a spiritual dimension to life, but just don’t want to go to church to find it.
And who can blame them? Most churches seem judgmental and holier than thou. They make you wear your Sunday best, play music from the 1800s, and are too into politics. And they seem to care more about people’s money than people.”
Continue reading “A church for people who don’t like church?”
Invitation: The Realization of the Christian’s Hope
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The resurrection is the realization of the Christians hope! Because Christ was risen, we have the hope of life after death as well. (1 Corinthians 15)
Sermon: The Christian’s Response to Suffering
Sermon by Josh Cox.
Using Job as an introduction, this lesson explains the proper response a Christian should have to the problem of personal suffering.
Sermon: The Mind of Christ
Sermon by Brantley Gallman
The text of Philippians 2:1-11 to explain what it means to have the mind of Christ.
Sermon: Anatomy of Institutional Apostasy
Many denominations have departed from any semblance of Biblical faithfulness. From Heresy to Sectarianism to Denominationalism to full blown Humanism, the process of the institutional apostsy is explained.
Those who are faithful must learn from history, and heed the warnings to remain faithful to the standard, God’s word.
Sermon: Steps of Salvation
A simple lesson, using a chart for personal work (Slide #2) of the PPTX file. Explains both God’s Part, and Man’s Part in the salvation of any individual.
Invitation: The Antichrist
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 1 John 2:18 and following, John mentions the antichrist. A proper understanding of the concept of antichrist recognizes that it correctly describes anyone who opposes the Lord.
Sermon: Drawing Near to Christ Through Song
Sermon by Josh Cox
As a part of our worship to God, we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. As with all worship, we must sing in “spirit and in truth” (cf. John 4:24).
Sermon: Followers of Christ
Discipleship requires sacrifice on the part of the follower. This is especially true as we consider what our Lord expects from us! It is worth the effort to examine, what kind of followers are we?
Invitation: Pray for Wise Words
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In Colossians 4:2-6 we see that Paul petitioned for prayers that he might know how he ought to speak in converting the lost. If Paul needed such help from God, how much more are we in need of such wisdom!
Mining the Scriptures: Galatians 2:1-5
Paul was continually embroiled in conflict with Judaizing teachers, who he here refers to as “false brethren.” Their view of the Christian faith nullified the grace of God. They viewed Christ as continuing the covenant between Jews and God, and viewed any Gentile Christian as a proselyte.
Circumcision, as a token of the covenant between God and Israel became the point of contention, and Paul was not going to compromise the gospel to appease these evil men. He protected Titus (a Gentile) by refusing to allow him to be circumcised. Paul’s correct understanding of the covenant of grace was that both He (a Jew), and Titus (a Gentile) were spiritual Jews, whose circumcision was not of the flesh, but of the heart! (cf. Romans 2:28-29).
We have liberty in Christ. Our appeal is to God’s grace. An appeal to the Old Law brings men into the bondage of sin.
The Patternists: Moral Insanity
Recently, I spent some time reading articles written by faithful Christians describing the moral failings of modern man. I was impressed to note the consistency in theme, regarding the cause of such immorality, whether said articles were written in the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, or more recently.
In light of our present societal degradations, we would do well to revisit that theme. Born in 1962, present attitudes toward righteousness are nearer rock-bottom than any time in my lifespan. Abortion is common, sexual promiscuity is rampant, recreational drug use is accepted and in some cases legal, and the LGBT agenda has reached levels of absurdity that would have been impossible to imagine a decade ago.
The theme? Man has rejected the concept of absolute authority, as in – the authority of God. The lack of faith in God and His will is the wellspring of the present ungodliness. Paul responded to a similar rebellious spirit in his time by writing, “For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:3-4).
Men say that God (or His will revealed in scripture) is no longer relevant. The Holy Spirit says that such a view is irrelevant! The fact that some do not believe doesn’t change reality – God is true!
Consider Paul’s conclusion on the matter. “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?” (3:5-6). Men can not successfully disregard God. He is the absolute authority. One day, all men will know it!
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FB: Labor for the “food which endures”
“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him” (John 6:27).
The text is a typical example of a type of idiom (a characteristic mode of expression) used by Jewish people in the first century. It is the use of the “do not … but” construction to make a contrast.
It does not tell us it is wrong to labor for physical food. In other places, the Holy Spirit expresses the importance of providing for our family (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8). Rather, we must have our priorities in order, giving proper emphasis and prevalence to spiritual matters.
We are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).
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