Category: Subject Index

In Matthew chapters 5 through 7 we have the most extensive example of our Lord’s teaching in His ministry. The sermon was preached early in His efforts, shortly after His temptation in the wilderness. It was preached in Galilee, on a mountainside near the north shore of Lake Tiberias. While there are many important truths found in Matthew’s record of that sermon, we will limit our comments to its beginning, known as the Beatitudes.

Continue reading “The Beatitudes” →

Some are aware of the controversy that recently erupted when Joel Osteen’s wife, Victoria, said to their congregation and viewers: “When you come to church, when you worship him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy. Amen?” This is one fallacy of the “Prosperity Gospel” that they preach. They contend life is about you, and your happiness, rather than being about God! In response, I came across the following quote from Albert Mohler. I thought it to be very good.

God’s pleasure in his human creatures centers in his desire and will that they come to faith in Jesus Christ and be saved. The great dividing line in humanity is not between the rich and the poor, the sick and the well, or even the happy and the unhappy. The great divide is between those who, in Christ, have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s glorious light.

Mere happiness cannot bear the weight of the Gospel. The message of the real Gospel is found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” That is a message that can be preached with a straight face, a courageous spirit, and an urgent heart in Munich, in Miami, or in Mosul.

If our message cannot be preached with credibility in Mosul, it should not be preached in Houston. That is the Osteen Predicament. (albertmohler.com)

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Both in Galatians 1, and 2 Corinthians 11, Paul warns his readers about “putting up with” a perverted gospel. A perverted gospel can not save! We must contend for and accept the faith as it was once delivered to us!

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Invitation delivered by: Brad Gallman

In this talk, Brad noted that one must first demolish a building before a new, better building can be erected. The same is so with God’s efforts toward men. The old man is demolished, that a new man may be created by Him.

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In this lesson, lust is defined and described, those who are vulnerable and susceptible to its effects are described, and explanations are given as to how it can be defeated.

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Powerpoint Slides

It is a fundamental concept worthy of constant affirmation: “Truth does not divide!” It is common for people today to count the Lord’s church among the many denominations that populate the religious landscape. They make no distinction, other than to charge God’s people as being sectarian simply because we seek to differentiate between truth and error!

It is error that brings division between seekers of Christ. In contrast, Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The claim we make of being simply followers of the Word of God, unwilling to deviate to the left or the right, is one worthy of examination. When it is put to the test, if it is found to be a false claim, then we acknowledge that we are no better than any other religious person who seeks to teach “as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). However, if our claim is true, then all should seek to be part of that which “came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).

Religious people clamor for diversity, freedom and change. In contrast we offer unity, bondservice to the Lord, and “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (cf. Jude 3). The appeal may not be popular, but it is the basis of our standing with God. Remember the words of the Lord, “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The Bible teaches that man has a certain amount of responsibility for his own standing before God. Faith working together with obedience is the message of scripture.

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In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians about their gift to the suffering saints in Judea. As part of the instructions, Paul teaches important lessons regarding love, integrity, devotion and service.

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Christians deal with moral issues so often that there is the danger of wearying of the fight. The daily bombardment of unrighteousness requires vigilance on our part, but I fear that some Christians simply tire of hearing about topics like abortion, homosexuality, racism, pornography, and other troubling societal problems. We must remember, however, that our enemy is relentless. He never ceases in furthering his agenda, and has been described by Peter as walking “about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, God’s people must be constantly on guard, constantly defending what is right (cf. Jude 3), and constantly applying Paul’s exhortation, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Continue reading “In the News: A New Dialogue on Abortion?” →

Truth does not need to fear examination and debate. By nature, truth is superior to error, having a consistency and genuineness that stands in stark contrast to false doctrines that permeate religious thinking.

Last Wednesday just before leaving for Bible class, a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on our door. The lady offered me a pamphlet with directions to the JW website, and I told her I would be glad to take it. I then offered her a pamphlet in return that I just happened to have sitting by the door. It is the Welcome Visitor pamphlet that we include in our visitor packets, and has our website address on it.

She refused to take it. As soon as she saw that I had my own convictions, she beat a quick retreat, off for easier prey. It was sad, really. I was nice, and told her that I was willing to have the exchange of pamphlets and views, but she was only willing to propagate her own teaching, not willing to consider that of others.
I told her, sadly, that if she wouldn’t take my pamphlet, then I didn’t think it playing fair to expect me to take hers. I find this rather typical of false teachers. They are eager to share their message, but unwilling to speak with those who might be capable of a critical examination of their claims.

We have the truth, and have no need to fear those who wish to study, examine or test our message. “Preach the word!” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2).

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 4, the apostle Paul contrasts the ultimate resolution of our physical lives (death) with the ultimate resolution of our spiritual lives as Christians (eternal life).

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Galatians 6:7-8, Paul warns that we will reap what we sow, and gives the exhortation to do good, to reap God’s approval.

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The apostle Paul dealt with Israel’s condition because of her rejection of Jesus in Romans chapters 9-11. Both Jew and Gentile can be saved only through God’s mercy, accessed only through Jesus Christ.

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We must not look back once we become a professing child of God. We must focus our lives on serving Christ first!

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Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 John 5:1-2, the apostle reveals that obedience to the commands of God are necessary for us to properly express our love both for God, and for man.

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