Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: What is Autonomy?
A discussion of the concept of autonomy, as it is revealed in the New Testament scriptures. The questions asked and answered, Are local congregations autonomous? What does that mean?
Sermon: Our God is a Consuming FIre
Speaker: Ian Tilley
A short (12 min.) discussion of the text of Hebrews 12:25-29, with applications.
What Kind of Life?
What kind of life do you aspire to live? What a question! Can you imagine the answers you would get if you took a survey of Americans. We are a nation that worships at the idols of fame, prosperity, and even infamy. Americans typically want thrills, adventure and noise! How many times have you heard that? If you go to professional sporting events, it is ubiquitous, “Let’s make some noise.” “Let’s party!” “Let’s boogie!” (Yes, I know that last one dates me).
While reading this past week, I came across an interesting passage in 1 Thessalonians that I am sure you find familiar. Paul wrote:
The Patternists: Departures from Christ
The second and third chapters of Colossians serve to warn us of the danger of departing from Christ and His will for man. Paul states that in the “knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and Son” are “hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:2-3).
Does that mean the Bible contains all truth? No. But it does contain all the truth that pertains “to life and godliness” (cf. 2 Peter 1:2-4). As Paul wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Spinning and Sophistry
As I write this short article, I am listening to the White House press secretary take questions from the press about the various issues facing our nation. She is very good at what she does. Favorable questions allow for the touting of the administration’s successes. Unfavorable questions are reframed, evaded or explained away. It is called spin, and it is a process that is common in our nation, regardless of party or circumstance.
While many if not most are aware of what happens in these circumstances, it doesn’t change the fact that such spin moves needles. It shapes, assists, and even changes perceptions to the benefit of the one who is being defended.
Religiously, the same things happen. Sophistry is defined as “the use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intent of deceiving.” As it is the truth that makes us free (cf. John 8:32), sophistry makes slaves of us all, (Colossians 2:1-10). This is why the deceptive efforts of the false teacher is condemned in such strong terms.
“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16).
Condemnation comes to the religious sophist. But, it comes to those who allow themselves to be deceived by their efforts as well (cf. 2 Peter 2:2,18).
“Beware brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).
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Sermon: Zeal
A discussion of four Bible characters: Esther, Josiah, John the Baptist and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Very different individuals, but all with the same zeal for the Lord and His will for them.
Sermon: Examples of Zeal found in the Early Church
A textual study of Acts 4 & 5 revealing the zeal, and boldness of the apostles in preaching despite threats of persecution.
Grace Turned into Lewdness
Our title is a reference to Jude’s warning concerning false teachers who had come to trouble brethren. “For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).
The word lewdness (or lasciviousness, KJV) means “unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence” (Thayer). The description in seen not only in the consequences of the doctrine espoused by these evil men, but also in the actions taken by those emboldened by the doctrine. Note in Jude’s epistle:
The Patternists: He Cannot Be My Disciple
In Luke 14:28-32, Jesus taught two parables about counting the cost. A man should count the cost of building a tower, so that he doesn’t run out of money before it is finished. A king should count the cost before going to war against an army twice the size of his own, so that he is not defeated in his efforts.
The two parables show the importance of counting the cost before making an important decision. Jesus taught the parables to make a point about discipleship.
Continue reading “The Patternists: He Cannot Be My Disciple”
Sermon: A Book of Remembrance
Speaker: Tommy Davis
In Malachi 3, the prophet reminded the people of their disobedience, and their responsibilities before God.
Sermon: Lessons from Joshua
Speaker: Aaron Collier.
A discussion of the book of Joshua in a class setting.
Sermon: Lessons from Esther
Speaker: Ian Tilley.
A discussion of the book of Esther, with applications.
Sermon: Denominationalism
A discussion contrasting contemporary attitudes regarding denominationalism, and what the Bible teaches on the matter.
Sermon: God is Great!
A discussion of the goodness and greatness of God, emphasizing His onmipotence, omniscience, omnipresence and immutability.
Sermon: A Time of Disaster
The last 16 months (and the last week) have been very difficult in the world, and for the United States (Pandemic/Afghanistan). What is the proper response for us as Christians in the midst of such trials?
