Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
“I Was Made This Way”
The Utne Reader is an online digest of reading material designed to offer “meaningful conversations that transcend traditional labels, biases, and stereotypes.” Its slogan is “Cure Ignorance”, and topics cover the gamut of societal issues. A recent article that appeared in the digest under the topic of politics is an article by a lesbian writer titled “The Gay Option.”
Beginning the article with a personal anecdote, this writer, Stephanie Fairyington, alluded to a couple of lies she told her mother when coming out of the closet at the age of 28. She said her first lie was “I was born this way”, and the second one was “If there were a straight pill I’d swallow it faster than you can say the word gay.” She writes that “I didn’t mean either of these things.”
The Patternists: Parental Responsibility
The Virginia gubernatorial election became national news a couple of weeks ago, as the two candidates expressed sharp disagreement on the part that parents should play in the education of their children. The Republican candidate, Glenn Youngkin said, “I believe parents should be in charge of their kids’ education.” The Democrat candidate, Terry McAuliffe said, “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.”
The Word of a King
(Ecclesiastes 8:2-4), “I say, ‘Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.’ Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?’”
The wise man’s words ring true in our time. As pandemic mandates gain traction, and our society polarizes more and more each day, many feel that our government is guilty of overreach. Whatever your view of this particular matter, there are a few points that are beyond dispute.
FIRST, our responsibility to be obedient to the governing authorities is one that has God as it’s source. It is a part of our agreement as Christians. Paul agreed with the wise man on this matter (cf. Romans 13:2). Of course, there are limits (cf. Acts 5:29).
SECOND, doing what is unlawful (“an evil thing”) will bring consequences from the authorities — “for he does whatever pleases him.” It is always a losing hand to rail against “the man.”
THIRD, “Where the word of a king is, there is power.” We may not like it when the authorities abuse their authority. We may cry out and complain — but no amount of threatening on our part will keep them from doing what they want to do.
It is for this reason we long for eternity. We realize that in the end, this world is a mere layover to eternity. In the end all inequities will be resolved. All abuses will come to an end. All suffering will cease. Praise be to God! “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’” (1 Peter 3:14).
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Sermon: Silence is Virtue
In a world full of noise, it is important to note virtue of being silent. It indicates reverence, respect, submission and discretion. Sometimes it is best to be silent!
Sermon: Guarding Against Apostasy
Speaker: Josh Cox
Suggestions on how to avoid faltering in faith. It is possible for a child of God to lose their way, and thus their soul.
Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
The Origin of Unity
In Philippians, chapter two, Paul comments on the remarkable example of our Lord. “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (2:6-8).
Jesus was in the “form of God.” Before His incarnation, He was in an exalted state. The word “form” should be understood as a state of deity. In other words, Jesus was fully God. With this the apostle John is in full agreement. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
The Patternists: Transgressions Bring Judgment
The book of Amos begins with declarations of judgment against various nations. The form of the declarations is uniform, beginning with the phrase, “for three transgressions… and for four.” For example, “Thus says the Lord: ‘For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron” (Amos 1:3). Also included are declarations against, Gaza (1:6), Tyre (1:9), Edom (1:11), Ammon (1:13), Moab (2:1), Judah (2:4) and Israel (2:6).
These simple declarations reveal why God’s judgment comes upon any people, either collectively or individually. They come because of transgressions. The Hebrew word in this context (pesa) is translated in the Old Testament using words like, transgression, sin, trespass and rebellion.
Continue reading “The Patternists: Transgressions Bring Judgment”
Not Covetous
In 1 Timothy 3:3, one of the characteristics that must be present in any who would serve as elder is described in the negative phrase, “not covetous.” The phrase comes from the single Greek word, aphilargyros. It occurs only once in this form in the New Testament. It consists of the prefix (a-) indicating the negative, and (-philargyros), which literally means a lover of silver.
So, the idea is that one who is serving as an elder must not be motivated by a love for money. Thayer defines the word: “not loving money, not avaricious.”
Later in the epistle, the apostle Paul wrote, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). The word is the exact same as the one we are considering, minus the negative prefix.
If we were to consider the opposite of the phrase “not covetous”, Paul indicates it would be “godliness with contentment” (1 Timothy 6:6). This is important for all of us. If we recognize the transitory nature of all things earthly, their value decreases in our mind. We must not “love the world, or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15). One who does certainly should not be leading the Lord’s people.
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
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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.
