Category: Subject Index

Paul’s introductory words in his second letter to the Thessalonians is typical of his letters in that it contains an invocation to God on their behalf, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1).

There are two things to note in these first two verses. First, the inclusion of Silvanus in the salutation. The name is found only here, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, 2 Corinthians 1:19 and 1 Peter 5:12. However, the man is readily identified by the Greek variation of the name, Silas, one of Paul’s travel companions.

The more interesting phrase is “the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” It clearly indicates that such phrases are not proper names, but descriptions of a group. This group lived in Thessalonica, and were “in” God and Jesus. This means they had a relationship with the Father and the Son. This was a congregation of Christians.

This is the biblical use of the term church, and does not in any way coincide with the denominational use of the term in our time.

A week ago yesterday, the 89 year old radio evangelist Harold Camping was proven to be a false teacher… again.

His prediction that Christians would be raptured on May 21st, 2011 did not come true. Actually, that was a second false prediction, as he initially had claimed September 6, 1994 as being the date of the rapture. He later claimed a mathematical error to be the problem when it did not happen, but in the weeks leading up to May 21st, declared with 100% certainty that his math was now correct, and his interpretation sure.

Continue reading “In the News: May 21, 2011 (The Aftermath)” →

The sermon uses the text of 1 Peter 1:13-16 to make the point that Holiness begins with the mind of man. As we gird up the loins of our mind, rest our hope on the grace of God, and determine to leave the lustful thoughts of the past, we are able to present ourselves as holy unto God.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This sermon helps to identify, both positively and negatively, the scriptural concept of the church, contrasted with common denominational misconceptions.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

There are a couple of intervals of time each year that I identify as “meeting season”. Most congregations have their gospel meetings in the spring and fall. It can be a busy time, but there is much opportunity for edification.

While most of the area meetings are over, we still have an opportunity for spiritual growth with our upcoming Vacation Bible School (June 20-24). The adults will have a class, with curriculum mirroring the material studied by the children. We are scheduled to meet from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm each evening during this summer series.

Consider this your special invitation from me to come. The elders, in their wisdom, have included the entire congregation in their plans for edification through this effort. You will be blessed, both by seeing the enthusiasm and growth of the children, and by your participation in the studies.

There are so few opportunities to meet together in the course of a year. Each one is precious, and should be experienced if at all possible. So, can I count on seeing you there? Mark your calendars!

Last Thursday night I was asked to give the benediction at the end of the Castleberry High School athletic banquet. I think the organizers of the event only intended a closing prayer, but I took a few moments to say a few things, and read a passage from Numbers 6:24-26:

The Lord Bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

This is perhaps the best known benediction of scripture. The term benediction, is not found in scripture, but is defined by Webster, “an expression of good wishes, the invocation of a blessing.”

Continue reading “A Benediction” →

The apostle Paul had worked tirelessly for the conversion and edification of the Thessalonians. For this reason he was thankful to God that these faithful brethren responded to his preaching with fervor.

He was especially thankful that they had received his words, not as the words of mere men, but “as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectively works in you who believe” (13).

In this, three things are understood. 1) Paul spoke by inspiration. The Apostle Peter agreed with this assessment, categorizing the teaching of Paul as scripture (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). 2) His words were effective to their salvation. What Paul preached was “the gospel of Christ”, “the power of God unto salvation” (cf. Romans 1:16). 3) They had proven themselves worthy by their response to the gospel. Specifically, Paul referred to their perseverance in the face of persecution at the hands of the Jews (vs. 14-16).

This serves as an example to all Christians. As the word of God works salvation in those who persist in obedience, we do well to be steadfast in our profession.

According to Premillenialist and radio personality Harold Camping, the rapture was supposed to take place on May 21st, and the final judgment will occur on October 21st of this same year.

Read the following from the first page of the “We Can Know” website:

“This web site serves as an introduction and portal to four faithful ministries which are teaching that WE CAN KNOW from the Bible alone that the date of the rapture of believers will take place on May 21, 2011 and that God will destroy this world on October 21, 2011.”

Also

“Learn about the Biblical Timeline of History, the correct method of Bible interpretation, the End of the Church Age and God’s command to believers that they must depart out of the churches. Study the proofs that God has so graciously given in His Word showing us that these dates are 100% accurate and beyond dispute.”

We have studied our Bible, and are not surprised to be alive and here on May 22nd. The reason we are not surprised is that the Bible does not teach the doctrine of the rapture, and the Bible does not contain a timeline indicating that “we can know” the time our Lord will return in judgment upon the earth.

Continue reading “In the News: May 21, 2011 (Yesterday)” →

This sermon examines the shameful nature of sin, and makes the point that when we sin, the Lord’s gaze is upon us. We may seek to rationalize, hide, lie about or cover up our sin, but our sin will find us out.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Fourth in an ongoing series on authority. This lesson explains what hermeneutics is (the methodological system of interpreting the Bible), and explains that our methodology is not arbitrary or contrived, but is a simple consequence of what the Bible claims to be.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sermon by Kris Braddock: Kris examines the confused and sorrowful reactions of Jesus’ disciples in the time between his death and resurrection. The lesson is resolved with the realization of hope in Jesus’ victory over death. A great final lesson for our meeting.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sermon by Kris Braddock: This lesson is a good overview of the issues that divided brethren in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Human Institutions, the Social Gospel, the Sponsoring church arrangement and the concept of Unlimited Benevolence are all shown to be a violation of the Bible pattern, thus unauthorized.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Spring is in full bloom, and with the increase in temperatures, we see a corresponding decrease in the amount of skin covered by those who seek comfort in the sun and the approving gaze of others.

What? You say that your skimpy dress is not an attempt to gain approval (most often from the opposite gender?) Well, I was born in April, but I was not born this last April!

Continue reading “Modest Dress: A Man’s Perspective” →

The apostle Paul was thankful to God for the Colossians. He prayed on their behalf out of a sense of appreciation for their faith, and the expressions of their love for other Christians. He had heard of this faith and love from their brother Epaphras, who declared it while visiting with him (vs. 7-8).

It is interesting that Paul’s expression of thanks came in the form of supplication to God. By expressing his thanks to God, he prayed God’s blessings on their behalf. This is a wonderful practice, and should be emulated by all Christians.

Paul also described their motivation for such faith and love — the hope of heaven! This hope was made known to them in the preaching of the gospel, and it was this hope that led them to bear fruit for Christ.

John wrote that God showed His love for us by sending “His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” He continued, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). Christ’s death and resurrection secures for us the hope of heaven. In return, we are obligated to faith, and love for one another.

A recent article at the Fox News website reports that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has voted to ratify a proposal that will eradicate the requirement of unmarried clergy to remain celibate. (To read the article, click here).

There is a lot wrong with that sentence, including the idea that a church can vote to make any doctrinal change, the concept of a clergy/laity distinction, and the idea that it is acceptable for a professed Christian to engage in the act of fornication.

Continue reading “In the News: Submitting to the Lordship of Jesus” →