Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: For God So Loved the World (3:9-21)
Lesson 6 in series (John 3:9-21)
The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus continues, and Jesus talks of death by crucifixion, God’s grace, and the necessity of faith and repentance.
Walk Worthy of the Calling
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Since familiarizing myself with the verse above, it has been my common practice to pray to God that my walk be worthy of that calling to which God has called me. In this, I acknowledge that such a walk is my responsibility. In other words, by prayer I can not petition God to overlook my sins, and find me acceptable despite any ongoing rebellion on my part. Rather, my prayer is that I am living in such a way as to satisfy the standard God has established.
That is not to say that I can’t and don’t pray that God forgive me of my sins and failures. I can and do. It is simply an acknowledgment that God requires an obedient faithfulness on the part of His children. Paul recognized this, and begged the Ephesians that they would act as God had called them to act.
His description of that behavior is not exhaustive, but certainly representative. Lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, love and a peaceful disposition should characterize the actions of every child of God.
Are you walking worthy of this calling to which God has called you?
Click below to…
Sermon: The Danger of Clericalism
The historical distinction between the Clergy and Laity is not authorized by scripture, and consistently leads to apathy and a lack of involvement in spiritual matters on the part of the laity. This problem has even influenced some in the Lord’s church.
Sermon: Fall 2019 Meeting with Kevin Kay
Our Fall 2019 Meeting with Kevin Kay too place on November 2-7. Sermon audio, Powerpoints and Video of each sermon can be found below:
The Faith of Abraham
Judas: The Man Who Betrayed Jesus
Pilate: The Coward Who Condemned Jesus
Barabbas: The Criminal Set Free
A Centurion’s Rare Faith
Moses Had Problems Too!
Lessons from Manasseh
And He Appointed Twelve
Sermon: The Christian and Charitable Giving
Speaker: Joshua Jackson
Joshua examines whether it is scriptural for a Christian to give charitably to religious organizations like the Shriners (Masonic Lodge) or the Salvation Army.
Compliments from Christ
My son Jeremiah preached a lesson with this title a few weeks ago. This article basically takes his outline, and puts a portion of it in article form. The points made are worthy of consideration.
Everyone enjoys being complimented, but the value of a compliment is very much dependent upon the person who is giving it. A compliment from a wicked man would mean little, as would one that comes from insincere flattery. However, if a compliment were to come from the Lord Himself, that would truly be a great honor. So, consider the following individuals, and the compliments they received from the Lord. If the Lord complimented them, we know that if we do or are the same, we will please Him as well!
The Genuineness of Nathanael
“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” (John 1:47). Consider Jesus’ description of the man, “an Israelite indeed…” This distinguishes between a merely physical lineage (born a Jew), and one who is truly faithful to the law of Moses, seeking to serve God. “For they are not all Israel who are of Israel” (Romans 9:6).
The Patternists: The Test of Faithfulness
The Greek word translated “faithful” in the New Testament is defined thus by Thayer:
1) trusty, faithful;
1a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties;
1b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust; 1c) that can be relied on.
Consider definition 1a) related by Thayer. The term is used of persons who show themselves faithful in the execution of commands, or the discharge of duties. This is a significant truth. Throughout scripture, people faithful to God were considered faithful by Him because they obeyed His commands, and did what was required.
Continue reading “The Patternists: The Test of Faithfulness”
An Evil Common Among Men
The wise man of Ecclesiastes used his book to consider the vanity of life lived under the sun. Put simply, life is not fair, and seeking for lasting happiness and value by trusting in the here and now is a mistake. He illustrated the main point of his treatise in chapter six by noting “an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men.” It was not an evil in the same sense we typically use it, that is, sin. Rather, it was the observation that many receive great physical blessings from God, but before they can be enjoyed, they lose their ability to enjoy their blessings. It may be illness, tragedy, or death, but “a foreigner consumes it” instead of them. “This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction” (vs. 1-2).
Consider this lesson, “For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell what will happen after him under the sun?” (12).
Rather than seeking joy and happiness in this fickle world, with all its injustice and uncertainty, the wise man instead places his hope in heaven. In order to gain that eternal reward, it is necessary to live a life of faithful obedience! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).
Click below to…
The Patternists: Destructive Heresies
I came across an interesting discussion on Facebook the other day. Someone had posted an article that was critical of Joel Osteen, the charismatic TV preacher from Houston, calling him a false teacher.
In the comments there were efforts on the part of several to defend the man and his teaching. These efforts ranged from characterizing his lack of scripture in preaching as “paraphrasing to make it more understandable”, to decrying those critical because they were “judging him when they have never met him”, to referencing his 20,000 strong Sunday services and prolific TV, radio and podcast messages as evidence of His being anointed by God and blessed by Him.
We are living in a time where our culture has greatly impacted our view of God, grace and judgment. These apologists were not parroting godly principles, but an attitude of tolerance for all that has its genesis in popular culture rather than the Bible.
Loving in Deed
It is not surprising that the apostle John is known and the apostle of love. He frequently talked about love. In his epistles, he especially exhorted Christians to show love for one another.
One such example of these exhortations is found in 1 John 3. In verse 16 he reveals the quality of that love, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I imagine that on our best day, we all can imagine ourselves to show such nobility, standing in the breech and laying down our lives in the ultimate loving sacrifice.
In the next breath, though, John continues, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (vs. 17).
Perhaps we flatter ourselves in thinking we are capable of the grandest of sacrifices, when we find ourselves put out by the smallest of needs. The next time a brother or sister expresses a need — a ride to the doctor, a meal, a ear to listen, a comforting hug — don’t let any perceived inconvenience on your part keep you from showing your true love for them.
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” (vs. 18)!
Click below to…
Sermon: Is Our Church Unique?
The church of Jesus Christ is the church of the New Testament. What Christians did in the first century, in accepting His authority, in their mission, worship and plea for unity, is unique in the world today.
Consider Your Ways
“In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, ‘Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: “This people says, ‘The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built’”’” (Haggai 1:1-2).
Consider this people who determined to place their own concerns above the desires of God. We look askance at their unwillingness to orient their priorities appropriately. But, are we guilty of the same? God wants us to do His work today, just as he wanted Judah to be about His business during the days of the prophet Haggai. And, so many of us can be guilty of the same attitude expressed in our text. “The time has not come…”
The Patternists: Profane Fire
“Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord” (Leviticus 10:1-2).
Perhaps this passage is offensive to our modern sensibilities. We ask, does the punishment really fit the crime? Is God acting justly in killing these two priests for their actions? Let us consider the matter.
Gospel Meetings
Why do we have gospel meetings? That is a good question. A better question might be, what are you wanting from our gospel meeting starting Saturday?
First, understand that the gospel meeting has been prepared specifically to benefit you. A decision has been made to support a man for a week in an effort to strengthen you as a Christian. A significant amount of the Lord’s money will be utilized. Plans and preparations have been made. The meeting has been scheduled long in advance to give everyone an opportunity to clear their schedule and be present at every service. The preacher has prepared as best as possible to edify those who hear him.
We have invited others from other congregations. They may or may not come. We have made efforts to invite people from our community. Typically, those efforts have limited success, but we are hopeful that a few might decide to attend. But, we are confident our own members will understand the importance of this effort — both for personal growth, and to encourage one another.
Surprisingly, some of our members don’t seem to think the meeting is important. They show this by their lax attendance. So, let me share with you my view.
There is nothing more important to me than my own spiritual welfare, (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16) . There is no better way to strengthen myself spiritually than through a study of God’s word. There is no more intense week of study that has been scheduled by the congregation this year than the one which will begin Saturday. So, I think it is one of the most important weeks of the year, period.
I’m going to be there every service. I think it will help me get to heaven. It is that important. What do you think?
Click below to…
Sermon: I’m the One
Speaker: Dennis Scroggins
Brother Dennis asked that each of us realize we are personally responsible for Jesus leaving heaven to die on the cross. Our sins required his sacrifice. This truth supplies our motivation to serve Him.
Description
