Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
The Origin and Composition of the Bible
The Bible, from the Greek biblia (the books), is a library of 66 volumes of various lengths. The 39 Old Testament volumes were written over a period spanning 900-1,000 years, from about 1400 B.C. to 500 B.C. The New Testament consists of books and letters written in a 50 year period, from about 50 A.D. to 100 A.D.
Since these books were written by numerous authors over many centuries, they were not immediately gathered into the single volume we enjoy today. The compiling of the Bible took time. To understand how it came about, we need to discuss an important innovation of the first century called the codex. (Actually, we don’t know exactly when the codex came into use, though many scholars believe that it was around 90 A.D.).
The Patternists: Authority & Moral Issues
One of the most glaring departures from God’s will for man comes in the area of morality. Men now champion fornication of all types, have normalized abortion and homosexuality, and have rejected God’s definition of marriage. An earlier contention that homosexuality is a genetic trait has been exchanged by many for a more extreme view that sexual expression is fluid, and that alternate sexual practices should be tolerated and encouraged.
Greed, pride, selfishness and hate have long been encouraged in the business world. These attributes are predominant in positions of power in government circles as well, to the point that any proclamation of humility and selflessness is met with rolling eyes and incredulity.
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Walk in Wisdom
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
This past week I had reason to answer via email an article an institutional preacher had written, defending the practice of supplying a “fellowship hall” and kitchen to facilitate the common meal of a congregation.
The article was sent to me by one who believes that practice to be scriptural, but who has presented herself kindly as a seeker of truth. I prayed long, and carefully crafted a response to facilitate understanding and not to unnecessarily offend. In effect, I tried to follow the admonition of Paul in the passage above.
The intent of teaching is to convict and correct. To prejudice the hearer/reader through inappropriate rudeness or crassness is not conducive toward gaining a proper response from your audience.
Though our Lord and others spoke harshly to hypocrites and dishonest individuals, the truth seeker was always treated with kindness.
Think of that the next time you consider “shooting off” a response via email or social media. Or “shooting off” your mouth when discussing God’s word. Our purpose is to win souls, not drive them away!
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Sermon: Who Can Find a Faithful Man?
A simple premise. To find a faithful man, one must know his attributes. These attributes can be seen by looking at the characters of faithful men such as Abraham, Moses and Daniel.
Sermon: Philip and Nathanael (1:43-51)
Lesson 2 in series (John 1:43-51)
Jesus’ conversations with Philip and Nathanael are discussed. It is revealed that Jesus is the means of God’s provision, as He serves as a mediator between God and man.
Treating Symptoms
The latest mass shooting hit me a bit close to home. I was born in Lubbock, but was raised in Odessa, TX. I am a graduate of Odessa High School, where I met my wife. Our wedding was held at the West 22nd Street church building, just down the street from the elementary school I attended as a child.
We have a big problem in our nation. Gun violence is disturbingly common. It is, however, one of the most visible symptoms of a much deeper societal problem. Politicians are seeking solutions, but don’t seem to have a willingness to acknowledge the underlying disease that has afflicted our people. Perhaps it is time to turn to scripture for a true cure, rather than seeking merely to treat the symptoms of our broken nation.
The Patternists: Conditional Promises
After Moses and a generation died in the wilderness of Judea, Joshua prepared to lead the new generation into the promised land. It is helpful to remember that the previous generation was not allowed to enter into the land because of rebellion against God.
God spoke to Joshua, and said the following: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:2-5).
Two Things Melchizedek Teaches Us
Melchizedek was the King of Salem, and a contemporary of Abraham. Hebrews 7 reveals that Abraham paid tithes to the king, and establishes two important points from that short interaction between the two men.
(1) The Genesis account of the meeting describes Melchizedek, “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). Thus, inspiration describes Melchizedek both as a king, and as a priest of God.
Remember that under the law of Moses, the priesthood (tribe of Levi) and royal lineage (tribe of Judah) were separate. Under the Old Law, one from the tribe of Judah could not serve as a priest. Since Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, it was necessary that the Old Law pass away, and a New covenant between God and man be established. Jesus serves as both Priest and King, (of which Melchizedek serves as a type), under His new covenant for mankind.
(2) Since Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, we can conclude that the priesthood of Melchizedek, (with Christ as high priest), is a greater, better priesthood than the Levitical priesthood of the Old covenant. (See the argument made in Hebrews 7:4-10).
We are blessed to have Jesus Christ as our great high priest, under His new covenant. Through this we have the hope of salvation, an eternal presence before God.
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Sermon: The Reforms of Nehemiah
The three reforms that Nehemiah enacted, as recorded in Nehemiah 13, serve to instruct when applications are made for us today.
Sermon: What Do You Seek? (1:35-42)
Lesson 1 in series (John 1:35-42)
Jesus’ conversation with Andrew, and an unnamed disciple (John?) raises important spiritual considerations. 1) What Do You Seek? 2) Come and See!
Partners
The word “partner” is used to describe a special kind of relationship. You may refer to your spouse as a partner, or a friend, or a business associate.
The word “partner” is defined by Webster: “one associated with another especially in an action.”
The idea of action in a partnership indicates that those so associated are pulling in the same direction, striving for the same goal, helping one another to be successful. As such, the word has an obvious application to spiritual matters.
The apostle Paul wrote to a good friend, Philemon, about his desire that Philemon would forgive and receive another (the slave Onesimus). Paul wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me” (Philemon 17).
Paul’s “action” was the proclamation of truth in order to save souls. Onesimus had benefited from that work, and would be put to use by Paul, if allowed. Philemon could associate with him in that work of preaching by accommodating Paul’s request.
Being a partner in the quest to save souls is referred to in scripture as “fellowship.” It is a familial partnership. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).
If we are seeking righteousness, we are partners with Christ. If we are partners with Christ, we have access to the greatest of blessings! Something to think about!
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Sermon: Are You Still Fighting Sin?
Paul’s letter to Corinth reveals several truths about our struggles with sin. The devil will never stop probing, and his devices are many. However, there are things we can do to fight him, and faithfulness is possible!
Is It Possible?
When the question is asked, “Can the Bible be God’s inspired word?”, the simple answer is, “Yes!” As has been previously noted, the concept of inspiration presupposes the existence of God. While it is not the purview of this study to argue God’s existence, we agree with Paul’s contention, “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). As the Psalmist testified, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). The contention of scripture and those who believe it is that the very existence of the universe demands the hand of a divine Designer. If an omnipotent and omniscient God exists, then nothing could preclude Him sharing His will with man through any means He chooses. This truth is axiomatic.
The Patternists: Measuring Themselves by Themselves
In 2 Corinthians 10 Paul addressed the sentiments of his opponents. It appears that some had said unkind things about the great apostle, and it is probable that some in Corinth had a negative view of the great man of God.
Paul’s appeal to be heard by them was centered in the authority he derived from Christ. He belonged to the Lord (vs. 7); the authority he exercised in edifying them came from the Lord (vs. 8); and as such he promised to come to them with weight and power in his words of admonition (vs. 9-11).
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The Veil is Taken Away
Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14).
The image of the veil accurately expresses the significance of passing from the Old Law to the New. Moses, in giving the law to Israel, paved the way for the redemption of mankind. The Old Testament contains so many things —types, prophecies, law — that God used to prepare mankind for His plan to bring salvation through His Son.
But, that Old Law of Moses was preparatory. It was a harbinger of what was to come. And so, when one looks exclusively at the Old Law, he gets neither the entire picture, nor the full benefits of God’s redemptive plan.
Paul wrote, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16). When the gospel is preached to man, some believe it and place their trust in Jesus Christ. In Him is that which allows believers to “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).
The blessing we receive by this unveiling? “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Praise be to God for His great blessings toward us.
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