Category: Subject Index

(This is a comment I recently made during an online discussion on the subject of abortion. It is edited for space).

The abortion debate is polarizing. I think by nature it must be. If one holds my position, it is black and white, and there is a place for condemnation of the act. If one holds the other position, the belief is that condemnation is inappropriate. The crux of the matter is whether a fetus is a child. If one grants that the fetus is human, when that life is taken it is murder. If it is not human, then it is simply a part of the woman, and there is nothing immoral about removing it.

Morality is objective, not subjective or relative. The true standard of what is moral has been established by God, and man has no right to alter it. When men do so (be they individual or government) they substitute their own will for God’s. As it relates to our topic, abortion is a subset of the general category of murder (as is genocide, patricide, matricide, infanticide, etc.) We rightly have laws against all of these. When men choose to disregard these laws, we as a society judge and punish them. While mitigating circumstances (upbringing, mental illness, economic circumstances) may lessen the punishment, it does not change the fact that a crime has been committed, and innocent parties have been harmed. When in 1973 the laws on abortion were changed, the Supreme Court wrongly allayed itself against the will of God. Abortion should still be illegal. The purpose of government is to protect the innocent. There is no more innocent an individual than an unborn child.

So, to me there is little nuance, and there is every reason to judge and condemn. I will never hesitate to speak out for the most innocent and pure individual in every abortion scenario — the threatened unborn.

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin describes the aspect of love that would preclude a Christian offending his brother or sister in Christ.

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Lesson 1 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

Revelation 4 and 5 reveals a vision of John, where he describes the throne room of God. The text reveals a most important point. God is the center of the universe, and all of creation exists to offer up praise to Him, and the Lamb of God.

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

Marc ended our gospel meeting with his exhortation to the congregation to “strive to enter in” to the narrow gate that leads to life. He rightly pointed out that effort is required in staying faithful and pleasing the Lord.

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

In this lesson Marc answers from scripture the often troubling question, “When do children become accountable for sin, before Almighty God?” Scriptural principles give parents guidance on the question.

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

In the lesson, given in the special class on Wednesday morning, Marc gives comfort by explaining the process of mourning, and giving the child of God help in dealing with the grief one experiences at the loss of loved ones. (Note: the first 5-8 minutes of the lesson were not recorded. Also, the lesson was recorded from a loudspeaker rather than directly from Marc himself, so the audio suffers a bit).

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

In this lesson Marc gives a reasoned and thorough explanation of why Christians, in New Covenant worship, refrain from using mechanical instruments of music in their worship to God.

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

In this two part sermon, preached Sunday and Monday nights, Marc emphasized the danger of our becoming desensitized to sin, and gave suggestions and applications to ensure we remain sensitive to and obey God’s commands for us.

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

In this lesson, Marc uses Mark 2, and the phrase from the KJV indicating that the paralytic man was carried by four men to see Jesus. The phrase is used to illustrate the point that each of us have those who have borne, or influenced us in our lives. Saul of Tarsis is a good example, and four men are mentioned: Gamaliel, Stephen, Annanias and Barnabas who had a profound influence upon him and his conversion to Christ.

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Sermon by Marc Smith.

This simple lesson by Marc establishes five important principles, taught by the Lord, important for a healthy and effective prayer life.

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Sermon by Marc Smith:

In this lesson, Marc points out that while the terms conservative and liberal have been helpful in differentiating between churches in the past, they are irrelevant with regard to a congregation’s standing before God. Only one scriptural term is truly relevant: Sound. Is a congregation sound?

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Some of you may be aware that when Kyle Chamblee was younger, he used to be a competitive gymnast. He and I were talking the other day, and since he knew I played golf, asked me if playing golf ever left my muscles sore.

I told him, no, that it didn’t. Golf after all, is not the most intense form of physical activity. It is one of those lifetime activities that can be enjoyed at any age, and just about any fitness level.

Continue reading “Using New Muscles” →

In these final verses, Paul continued the theme of charity that was the central part of the entire letter. He called upon Philemon to receive Onesimus back as an expression of charity. He then indicated a willingness to shoulder some of that burden himself — again as a demonstration of his love both for the slave Onesimus, and for Philemon as well.

If any loss had come to Philemon because of his slave’s actions, Paul pledged to repay it. However, he reminded Philemon of the debt he owed to Paul, “you owe me even your own self besides” (vs. 19). This should not be construed as an attempt by Paul to manipulate Philemon into absorbing any loss himself. No, Paul’s offer to repay was legitimate and sincere. Rather, Paul encouraged Philemon to note that he too owed a debt, and would desire a gracious response by Paul, as the one to whom he owed his spiritual life. As such, by Paul’s reasoning, he should respond in kind towards Onesimus. This principle was established in the “golden rule” (cf. Luke 6:31), as well as Jesus’ model prayer (Matthew 6:12).

Regardless, Paul expressed his confidence that Philemon would surpass his expectations. Content with that, he offered his salutations, and closed this beautiful letter to his beloved friend.

Invitation delivered by: Kyle Chamblee

Kyle appeals to the scriptures to give instructions on parenting children.

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Primarily using Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, the apostle indicates that spiritual soundness must include being sound in the faith, in personal faith, in speech, and in moral conduct.

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