Category: Subject Index

Luke 13:1-5

A careful reading of Luke, chapters 11—13 shows that our Lord’s teaching to his disciples and the multitudes was anything but soft.

Jesus plainly and severely rebuked the sin of the people. He admonished them for hypocrisy, unfaithfulness and inhumanity toward one another.

It is believed that the first five verses of Luke 13 are an attempt by some to divert the Lord’s attention from their own sins, to the sins of others. Though we don’t know who the “Galileans” were that suffered death at the hands of the Romans, Jesus clearly states that their sin is no worse than that of his hearers. His admonition, given in verse 3 and verse 5 is a stern warning to anyone of us who might seek to excuse ourselves by comparing ourselves to those we believe to be worse than we. Jesus said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

1 Corinthians 8:1

“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” Someone might, in reading this statement, think that Paul was “anti” knowledge. This is certainly not so. Paul does not condemn, or even minimize, the value of knowledge. Rather, he here condemns certain attitudes that can be present in those who have knowledge.

If it is not tempered by love, knowledge can cause a man to be prideful and dismissive of others. This was the case with regard to the eating of meat offered up to idols. Some knew such was acceptable to God, and as a result were dismissive of their weaker brethren who did not have that knowledge. Rather than refraining from eating, to protect their brother, they instead were willing to risk their brother’s eternal welfare as they flaunted their superior knowledge of God’s will. Such is antithetical to Christ’s cause (vs. 12-13). Love must temper our knowledge!

“Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?”

1 Corinthians 15:29

The verse above is admittedly a difficult passage to understand. It is a passage that has been wrested from context to defend a practice without Bible authority. For example, the Mormon church engages in the practice of baptism by proxy. One of the duties of those Mormons who desire to go to a Mormon temple, is when there to be immersed on behalf of someone who has died. In fact, the Mormon’s intense interest in geneological records is to identify those who have died in past generations, that they may be baptized in water by proxy.

Continue reading “1 Corinthians 15:29, An Explanation” →

The issue is: What does the phrase, “The Doctrine of Christ” refer to in 2 John 9-11? Does it refer to the doctrine about Christ, or the doctrine taught by Him? The scriptures clearly reveal the answer.

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If Christians are not diligent to tend and maintain their faith, doubts concerning God and His word can creep in. This lesson explains the danger, and suggests ways to Overcome Doubt in your life.

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The Bible teaches us that when God created man, he told him to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:26). He put Adam in the garden He had planted, for the man to “tend and keep it” (2:15).

God has given man the responsibility to be a steward of His creation. This is a charge we must not take lightly. Years and years of neglect and abuse have led to the fouling of our environment, the depletion of natural resources, and the unfortunate extinction of many species of fish, birds and animals. Such abuse is lamentable and inexcusable. We must be more careful in our stewardship of this world God gave us.

Continue reading “In The News: Radical Environmentalism” →

Cain’s choice to sin, and then to compound his initial sin with others, caused him much anguish in life, and God’s condemnation.

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Israel learned a great deal about the obedience and faithfulness that God requires of His people. We can learn from their example.

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There are sins of the tongue that are directed at others, such as gossip, talebearing and slander. These are antithetical to the profession of the Christian life, and must be avoided by the child of God.

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Man is capable of sinning against God directly through his unwise use of his tongue. Complaining and grumbling, Profane and Vain language, and taking the Lord’s name in vain are all ways we can sin with the tongue.

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Because of the blessings and privileges we attain in Christ, we have the responsibility to look to the Lost, to Pray for Laborers in the Harvest, and to Go to preach the gospel to the Lost.

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Philippians 2:1-4

In Philippians 4:2, the apostle admonished two ladies, Euodia and Syntyche, to “be of the same mind in the Lord.” The admonition is the only indication given in the epistle of possible problems in the church in Philippi. The church was strong, but not perfect, and the admonition to unity was timely. Such is certainly needed in our time as well.

In Philippians 2:1-4, the means of obtaining such unity is found. Paul here again exhorts the brethren to be “like-minded”, and indicates that his can be done when each esteems “others better than himself” (vs. 3). In effect, humility is the source of unity.

When people are self-willed, division results. If I want what I want, and am unable to compromise, and you are the same; then our goals will often conflict. Thus, division results.

As Christians, we should look out for the interests of our brethren — it is only then that we will all have the mind of Christ.

Mark 9:1

The chapter break here is unfortunate, as this verse belongs with the Lord’s discourse that started in 8:34.

The promise here made was two fold: 1) The kingdom would come with power; and, 2) Some of those with him as he spoke would still be alive when it came.

This simple text deals a death blow to those who claim the kingdom of Christ is yet to be established. If it hasn’t been established yet, one of two things must be true:

1. Jesus did not keep his promise to his disciples.
2. Some of Jesus disciples are alive at over 2,000 years of age.

Both assertions are untenable and obviously untrue.

While the errorist can’t reconcile this passage with his doctrine, the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise is evident.

On the day of Pentecost following Jesus’ resurrection, as He promised here and in Acts 1:4-8, the kingdom arrived with power upon the immersion of the disciples in the Holy Spirit. The kingdom exists, and we who are His are citizens of it, (cf. Colossians 1:13).

The film, The Golden Compass, is scheduled for a Christmas release, and New Line Cinema is hoping that it will be as big a blockbuster as Disney pictures The Chronicles of Narnia, released last year.

The films are both fantasies, both based upon books that were written to appeal to children. The difference is that one was written by C.S. Lewis, a member of the Anglican church and a well known Christian apologist. The other was written by atheist activist Philip Pullman, whose desire is to portray religion as evil and God as a fraud.

Continue reading “In The News: The Golden Compass” →

Since we have waited until the meeting was over to upload the sermon files, I am going to include all five sermons by brother Scott Gilmore in a single post. Note: At this time the powerpoint files are not available, but will be uploaded in a few days.

Saturday Night: 11/3
Reason and Reading: Brother Gilmore emphasized the necessity of Bible study and the use of reason to establish authority for our religious practices. This is a fine lesson on the subject of authority.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sunday Morning Class: 11/4
Miracles: The Bible class was an interesting discussion of Bible miracles. The miracles and their purpose were examined.

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Sunday Morning Worship: 11/4
Does Faith Move?: In this lesson brother Gilmore contrasts the false doctrine of “Faith Only” with the Bible teaching of an active faith leading to obedience to God.

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Sunday Evening Worship: 11/4
Repentance: Brother Gilmore turns to the scriptures for a discussion of repentance, as required by God for salvation.

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Tuesday Evening Worship: 11/6
Dangers Facing the Church: Brother Gilmore shows from the scriptures the dangers facing God’s people today due to improper attitudes toward the preaching and teaching of God’s word.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .