Category: Subject Index

Study Material Categorized by Subject

Sermon: The Right Hand of Fellowship

Fellowship

A study of the basic principles of Fellowship. What is is, and who enjoys it.

Powerpoint

Sermon: The Helper, the Spirit of Truth

John37

A discussion of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples, recorded in John 14:12-18.

The Husband of One Wife

Husband of one wife

The final three qualifications for elder that we will be discussing in our series are the domestic qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These qualifications are the most disputed in the list. So, we will use longer articles to fully address them.

A few things to consider in our discussion. First, there is a danger in speculation. We can get caught up in our own personal views of the why or how things should be, and actually read into the text something that is not there. Please distinguish between what the text says, and what we might think it should mean. Second, as in all things we must be patient in the midst of disagreements. Our call as Christians is to unity. The study of truth should never cause division between those who love it.

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The Patternists: A Simple Demonstration of Authority

marriage1

There are many who take issue with the idea that the New Testament is intended to be a pattern for the lives we live. Some consider only the words of Jesus to be authoritative (cf. John 16:5-15). Others deny the sufficiency of scripture to equip us to every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Others simple view the New Testament as a love letter to men (cf. John 14:15).

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A Righteous Person

handshake

In Titus 3, the apostle Paul gave instructions to Titus as an evangelist about what he must teach. These instructions serve to express, through positive affirmation and negative rebuke, the type of person a Christian should be. Consider the following attributes, taken from the list:

  • Obedient to civil authorities
  • Ready for every good work
  • Unwilling to speak evil of others
  • Peaceable, gentle, humble to all men
  • Wise, obedient, perceptive, self-controlled
  • Refusing anger, malice, envy and hate
  • Careful to maintain good works
  • Avoiding foolish arguments
  • A maker of peace with brethren
  • One who rejects those who bring division

A Christian should be pleasant to be around. He recognizes the importance of getting along, having a selfless and perceptive mind, and being in control of his impulses. Seldom will he be a part of conflict, and then only when the defense of truth is required. Because he emulates his Lord, he seeks to be a positive influence on others, making their eternal welfare his priority.

Look at the list, and determine what improvements might be needed to be the kind of person God wants you to be! “Let our people also learn to maintain good works” (14).

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Sermon: Destabilizing Marriage

Destabilizing Marriage

Our American culture has in the last several decades destabilized the institution of marriage, changing the morals of our nation, and causing great destruction. The Bible calls for the protection and respect for the permanency of Marriage, God’s first institution.

Sermon: Creatures of Habit

Creatures of Habit

Speaker: Justin Carrell

Justin points out that humans are prone to develop habits, both good and bad. He encourages us as Christians to help one another to create good habits that will please God.

The Patternists: Hold the Traditions

tradition

The apostle Paul used an interesting turn of phrase in exhorting his readers, in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”

His exhortation is to be a response to the calling of God. The elect of God are eligible to obtain “the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (14). Because of what God has done for us as Christians, and the hope we enjoy, we have a responsibility to “stand fast.”

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Sermon: Providing Honorable Things

Providing Honorable Things

This lesson is a discussion of Paul’s efforts to act in a transparent and honorable way in conducting the Corinthians gift to Judea (2 Cor. 8:21). Applications can be made in the area of Christian influence.

Sermon: Knowing the Son is Knowing the Father

John36

A lesson discussing Jesus’ conversation with Philip in John 14:7-11. A true recognition of Jesus includes a recognition of his unity with the Father Himself.

Defilement

handwashing

Under Mosaic law, there were certain actions and circumstances that rendered a person defiled before God. The Hebrew word translated defiled in the Old Testament texts discussing this state (tâmê) is defined by Strong: to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated).

The reference to ceremonial “foulness” is especially important in light of the Old Testament references to such defilements. While they sometimes refer to moral actions that intrinsically are sinful (such as idolatry, sexual immorality, etc.), often it had reference to things that are not inherently sinful in God’s eyes. Things like childbirth, the touching of a dead body, or a woman’s menstruation.

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The Patternists: What Nature Teaches Us

universe2

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4).

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead…” (Romans 1:20).

These two passages, and others like them reveal that the physical universe testifies of both the existence of God, and of certain attributes He possesses. Consider the truths we can discern from them.

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“Holding Fast” the Faithful Word

holding fast

In Titus 1:9, there is a phrase used to describe a qualification for elders, which should be present in every Christian. The elder must hold fast the “faithful word.” Though they are not alone in the requirement, it is especially important for an elder to be able and willing to defend the truth.

The phrase “hold fast” is taken from a single Greek word. Vine defines that term — to hold firmly to, cleave to.

The word that is to be cleaved to is the “faithful” (pistos) word. Vine’s says that in the context of Titus 1:9, this word is — faithful, to be trusted, reliable.

The “word” (logos) is a common word here used to refer to the sayings of God. In effect, the doctrine delivered by the Holy Spirit. This is why it can be trusted, or relied upon. As Peter states, “…no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

This defense of God’s word is possible when one “has been taught.” This emphasizes the needed teaching in our churches, and the importance of any man who would be an elder to be familiar with the doctrine of Christ.

The reason for this is seen in the phrase, “that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” No man should occupy the office of elder who is not able both to correct the misunderstandings and actions of the flock, and to protect against false teachers.

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Sermon: The Samaritans

The Samaritans

The lesson discusses the origin of the Samaritans (2 Kings 17), and a few applications we can make concerning authority (John 4).

Sermon: The Gospel is Sufficient

Ian the Gospel

Speaker: Ian Tilley

A fundamental truth found in the inspired word is that the gospel is sufficient to bring instruction and salvation to mankind.