Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
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.
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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?
Sermon: He Who Sees Me Sees Him
Jesus’ lays claim to his Deity by describing the relationship He had with the Father. He is the light of the world, and fulfilled in His life, His Father’s will.
Some Thoughts on Modest Dress
We are in the midst of summer, the season of minimal dress. It is understandable that people would desire to be as comfortable as possible during triple digit weather. However, it is important to consider what God thinks of all the skin that is showing in our culture.
First, you will note that the world knows what it is they are doing. They realize the effects of clothing on the opposite sex. That is why adjectives like sexy, sensual, hot, daring, revealing and provocative are used to describe clothes and swimwear. With this in mind, consider the words of John, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).
The Patternists: Are You Honest? Or a Liar?
Let me ask you a question. “Do you know God?”
“You do? Wonderful! But, can I trust your answer? Do you really know God? You aren’t lying, are you? Can you prove that you really know God?
The above conversation would anger some, unsettle others. I understand that many would take offense at being asked such a question, and then having their affirmative response questioned or challenged. But, consider the following words from the pen of John the apostle.
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6).
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Not Quarrelsome
The Greek term under consideration, amachos is found only twice in the New Testament, both times as a qualification for eldership (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 3:2). In the NKJV it is translated by the phrase “not quarrelsome” in Timothy, and “to be peaceable” in Titus.
In a previous article, it was noted that this term is quite close in meaning to plektes, translated as “not violent” (NKJV, 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). In the lexicons, the two words are defined in virtually the same way. Thayer defines amachos — not contentious; abstaining from fighting.
We also noted that there may have been a slight difference at the time of Paul’s writing in the usage between the terms. Where plektes seems to have carried more of the idea of physical violence, amachos seemed more to denote a willingness to argue or quarrel. Hence, the translation in the NKJV.
It is obvious that a pugnacious personality would not serve a man well in the work of shepherding. A tendency to argue or quarrel when presented with challenges that require a peaceable spirit would be counterproductive. Of course the same thing is true for every Christian.
Remember that Abraham called for an end of bickering and fighting with Lot and his herdsmen. His reason? “For we are brethren” (Genesis 13:8). This is a lesson that each of us would do well to learn and heed!
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Sermon: Strengthening Marriage
Peter’s admonition to add to our faith has very practical ramifications for the Christian’s every day life. This is especially so in the marriage relationship.
Sermon: Endurance
Speaker: Aaron Collier
Aaron uses the example of endurance bicycling to talk about what true endurance is, making application to the Christian’s life.
Gentle
The Greek word epieikes appears five times in the New Testament. The NKJV consistently translates the term “gentle,” (“gentleness” in Philippians 4:5). The KJV uses “gentle” for three of the five occurrences, but uses the term “moderation” in Philippians 4:5, and patient in 1 Timothy 3:3.
In 1 Timothy 3:3, the word is listed as a qualification to serve as an elder. In Philippians 4:5 and Titus 3:2 it is encouraged as a quality for all men. In James 3:17 it describes the wisdom that “is from above” along with other gracious characteristics.
The word is defined by Thayer: “1) seemingly, suitable; 2) equitable, fair, mild, gentle.” Interestingly, it is a word that is difficult to match in the English. One scholar uses the phrase “sweet reasonableness.” It seems that the idea includes a willingness to compromise regarding one’s own standing or rights in order to be humane or reasonable.
With regard to the eldership, it would require a man be willing to give consideration to particular circumstances in order to determine what an appropriate response would be. It would be an attribute able to heed Jude’s direction, “And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 22-23).
This type of gentleness must be present in an elder, but is needed and appropriate for every child of God.
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Sermon: Abomination
A discussion of what men believe are abominations, and what is an abomination to Almighty God. (Hint: They are often very different!)
